Helping Your Child Cope with Stress in Today's Challenging World

Pembroke Pines, FL  (February 13, 2018) -- Pembroke Pines Commissioner Iris A. Siple, West Campus Charter School Principal Michael Castellano, and the Education Roundtable Forum together with the City of Pembroke Pines will be hosting a special presentation for parents/guardians of school-aged children, educators and youth advocates to learn effective strategies to build resiliency in children, identify and prevent suicidal behavior, and recognize at-risk behavior in their children and others. The adult-only presentation will take place on Monday, March 12, 2018, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL  33025. Admission and parking are free.
 
“Children today live in a very fast paced world and are exposed to so much more than often-times they are ready for,” said Pembroke Pines Commissioner Iris A. Siple who organized the event with Principal Castellano and the Education Roundtable Forum.  “It’s important that we collaborate together and take positive action to address their stressors, and also take an honest look at how to prevent the continuing rise in teen suicides.”
 
Dr. Scott Poland, a Professor at the College of Psychology and Co-Director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University, will be the special guest speaker.  A licensed psychologist, he is internationally recognized as an expert on youth suicide, self-injury, school violence, bullying prevention, threat assessment and school crisis.  Dr. Poland has authored or co-authored five books and many chapters and articles on these subjects.
 
Staggering statistics from the CDC indicate that suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24, and that four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs. Dr. Poland will help those in attendance understand common factors in youth suicide, offer insight into how parents, schools and the community can help today’s youth, and increase overall awareness of the issues facing children on a daily basis.
 
Participants will have an opportunity for questions and answers. Community resource information also will be available, and light refreshments will be served.  Please note that this is a forum presentation for adults only.
 
For more information, please call 954-450-1030.