FY21 Annual Report

ADOLESCENT CONSULTATION SERVICES FY21 ANNUAL REPORT acskids.org

mission STATEMENT Adolescent Consultation Services supports and empowers court-involved children and families by providing mental health prevention and intervention services to help them envision and work toward a better future. The FY21 Annual Report design is inspired by Kintsugi. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. As a philosophy, it is an understanding that breakage and repair is part of the history of an object and is something to honor rather than to disguise.

FRAN MILLER BOARD PRESIDENT Kintsugi reminds us that broken objects – and people – can become stronger and more beautiful when care and attention are devoted to making them whole again. Our dedicated staff are determined to help high-risk children embrace their strength and resiliency to navigate these perilous times. You, our supporters, empower us to continue this challenging work each and every day. Gratefully, Fran Miller LEAH M. KELLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The art of Kintsugi suggests that fractures are not flaws. The gilding of a broken place honors the strength and grace of the healing process. This metaphor so beautifully captures what our staff facilitate and celebrate every day in their commitment to support and empower our young clients. With Gratitude, Leah M. Kelly, Psy.D. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on children’s mental health is still unfolding. We know that the number of children in need of mental healthcare will continue to grow, and the kids in our community will need us more than ever. Our dedicated clinicians, individualized and evidence-based programming, clinical flexibility and adaptability, and strong partnerships position us to respond quickly to the changing needs of young people through and beyond this pandemic. 1

Who You Help AGE UNDER 7 1% 48% 218 7-12 10% CHILDREN 15 13-15 SERVED 16-17 34% AVERAGE AGE 18+ 7% GENDER 66% 32% 2% 74% BOYS GIRLS TRANSGENDER/NON-BINARY of the families we served received insurance coverage RACE 40% 26% through MassHealth WHITE HISPANIC 12% 27% 12% 7-12MULTI-RACIAL 6% of our clients had at least one 7-12BLACK/AFRICAN/ 4% parent who had immigrated AFRICAN AMERICAN to the U.S. OTHER IDENTITIES OR UNKNOWN 25% ASIAN/ ASIAN AMERICAN of our clients had experienced homelessness 85% were struggling with at least one psychiatric condition 47% had been hospitalized due to a mental health condition 2

Liam’s STORY Cindy* is a single mother to her 15-year-old son, Liam*. Liam was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school. He had done well in school until he entered high school, when he began to miss classes and started sleeping all day. Liam had begun to disobey his mother’s rules and became increasingly aggressive in the home. Cindy realized that she needed help to understand and address Liam’s complex needs. She filed a Child Requiring Assistance application with the juvenile court. The Judge referred Liam to ACS for a mental health evaluation. An ACS clinician reviewed Liam’s medical and educational records, spent hours meeting with both Liam and Cindy, and conferred with Liam’s teachers. It became clear to Liam’s clinician that there were multiple factors contributing to his symptoms and behaviors. Cindy shared that Liam’s father struggled with substance use and was physically abusive to Cindy prior to moving out of their home when Liam was in middle school. Liam was also struggling with serious symptoms of depression. He shared with his clinician that his functioning worsened during the pandemic. He explained that he had a hard time sleeping despite trying remedies, such as soothing tea and melatonin. He explained that he lacked the energy to get up in the morning and felt unmotivated to do anything other than play video games. His ACS clinician provided the Court with a comprehensive written report, outlining the challenging circumstances the family had faced, the history and context of Liam’s emotional and behavioral difficulties, and individualized recommendations that she believed would help Liam and Cindy. The clinician met with Cindy several times to summarize the evaluation process and explain her clinical impressions and recommendations. To support his learning needs related to ADHD, Liam had received special education services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP); however, it was clear to his clinician that he needed additional therapeutic supports. Liam’s clinician attended school meetings to educate his teachers and providers about his mental health needs and advocate on his behalf. She explained that the transition to high school and the loss of learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to his recent challenges. She also highlighted his will and desire to improve, and that with the right supports and patience, Liam will make meaningful progress. Cindy expressed her gratitude in a letter to ACS explaining that before working with ACS, she knew very little about the therapeutic services her son needed to heal and grow. *To protect confidentiality, ACS does not use the names, photos, or identifying features of our clients. 3

Diagnostic Evaluations ACS clinicians conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and same-day emergency mental health and substance use evaluations of youth involved in the Juvenile Court. I M PA C T 131 comprehensive diagnostic evaluations completed 18 same-day emergency evaluations completed ACS serves kids and families across the 54 cities and towns of Middlesex County. We directly serve the County’s four Juvenile Courts. “Thank you for this amazingly detailed, thoughtful, and comprehensive evaluation. I appreciate the time and effort you invested on behalf of my client. “ - Child’s attorney 4

Abby’s STORY Abby* had always enjoyed elementary school, earned good grades, and made many close friends. The transition to middle school, however, proved far more challenging. Her peers began to bully her and she lost trust in her friendships. She gradually withdrew from people and began experiencing symptoms of anxiety. As these symptoms intensified, Abby began to have trouble attending school. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to attend class virtually, Abby’s symptoms of anxiety became even more pronounced. She began to spend all day in her bedroom and felt unable to leave the house to complete routine tasks, like taking out the garbage or accompanying her mother to the store. She had trouble attending her virtual classes and would experience panic attacks when her mother discussed the prospect of returning to in-person schooling. Abby’s school described her as intelligent and capable, but the excessive absences prompted them to file a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) application with the juvenile court. The Judge ordered an evaluation to be completed by an ACS clinician to help determine what support Abby needed to be able to reengage in her education. Abby told her clinician about the persistent negative thoughts she experienced, including contemplating self-harm and suicide. Abby told her clinician, “I just want these feelings to stop.” The ACS clinician reviewed Abby’s medical records, interviewed her parents and teachers, and spent hours meeting with Abby. The clinician understood that, in addition to anxiety, Abby was also struggling with depression. She was able to educate Abby and her mother about anxiety and depression, teach them new and effective coping skills, and help them find treatment services. At Abby’s last meeting with her clinician she said, “I want to thank you for listening. I feel like you really heard me and understand me.” *To protect confidentiality, ACS does not use the names, photos, or identifying features of our clients. The children we served 84% Mood Disorder 78% ADHD were diagnosed or had symptoms 48% Suicidality 82% Anxiety and 41% Substance Use Disorder of the following conditions Trauma-related Disorder 5

Mental Health Treatment and Student Training The most recent ACS offers individual, family, and group mental health treatment to children who are court- Community Needs involved or at risk for court involvement. Your support enables ACS to offer these services at no cost to families, thus removing one of the most significant barriers to care. Assessments for Cambridge, I M PA C T Framingham, and Lowell each identified 316 hours of no-cost treatment provided mental health as 55 kids and their families received treatment services one of the top three 30 teens enrolled in THRIVE needs in these cities. THRIVE Teen, Health, Relationships, Independence, Vision, Empowerment THRIVE, our eight-session psychoeducational program, helps teens learn the skills needed to understand and cope with the challenges they face. Our drop-in model, rotating curriculum, and weekly sessions allow teens to access services quickly and join the group at any time. STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAM ACS is a teaching clinic for behavioral health professionals. We maintain a robust and longstanding training program for graduate students, medical residents, and post- doctoral fellows from prominent academic institutions in social work, psychology, and psychiatry. 6

Ivan’s STORY In response to the increased need for mental health treatment for adolescents, ACS expanded our Treatment program to include clients who were both court-involved and at risk for court involvement. One of our first referrals from a community partner was Ivan*. Ivan is 17 years old and had been struggling at school and home due to symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and a high level of family instability. He had difficulty navigating peer relationships and interpreting social cues, which resulted in ongoing conflicts with his teachers and classmates. He also lacked healthy coping skills to manage his stress and emotions during these conflicts. When Ivan first met with his ACS clinician, he was very reluctant to engage. He was openly skeptical about the clinician’s intentions and ability to be helpful. Ivan’s clinician was undaunted and she continued to meet with him weekly for months. This patience paid off and Ivan began to engage more openly about his struggles. This foundation of trust enabled his clinician to lend much-needed support, nurture his self-esteem, enhance his self-awareness, and develop some critical interpersonal skills. Ivan has engaged in treatment for the past year and his clinician has witnessed his self-confidence steadily grow. His ability to manage stress, communicate effectively with his family, and self-advocate have also improved. He recently shared with his clinician that he was accepted to college. When his clinician inquired about any concerns or anxiety about his transition to college, he expressed his willingness to seek out support on campus, as needed. This openness to seeking help in the future is truly a testament to his positive experience with our clinician. *To protect confidentiality, ACS does not use the names, photos, or identifying features of our clients. “I’ve learned how to cope with my emotions such as my anxiety, my depression and how to cope with my anger. I’m glad that I’m getting the right help for me mentally because I was lost….” - Graduate of THRIVE 7

E&A and Community Education “I liked how you EDUCATION & ADVOCACY answered my FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES questions and taught • Education of children and families about mental health concerns and the juvenile me ways to deal with justice and child welfare systems. tough situations. “ • Advocacy for clients and assistance linking them with appropriate community services, such as medical care, mental health treatment, and in-home support for the family. – 15-year-old client receiving E&A • Follow up, with clients and providers, to help ensure that the recommended services are in place. I M PA C T 104 kids and families received Education & Advocacy services OUTCOMES 81% of children improved their attendance at school or an alternative educational setting 72% of families became more engaged in their child’s treatment 70% of children iMncernetaaslehdetahltehiriscsoumeps,liance with trMeaatlmadeanpttive coping and recommsuecnhdaasti:ons strategies, such as: • anxiety • self-injurious behavior C O M M U N I T Y E D U•• CadneAgperTersIsOionN • alcohol and drug use • high-risk sexual behaviors ACS consults with court perwsohnicnhelc, ascnhroeoslus,ltanind…community proivnidcreeras.sWinge atrheearriesksooufr.c..e to help providers better understand a variety of topics including the needs of high-risk children who are court-involved, accessing mental health services, and basic court procedures. 8

ACEs and MAJCC ACEs: ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) examines the connection between childhood exposure to ten types of stress and trauma that can lead to significant and potentially deadly health conditions. NUMBER OF ACES IN YOUTH NATION-WIDE VS POPULATION SERVED BY ACS 51% National Average* PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH 36% 26% 16% 20% 12% Population served by ACS** 6% 13% 10% 10% *Based on ACEs Study conducted by the CDC **70 total ACEs questionaires from ACS clients 0 1 2 3 4+ NUMBER OF ACES LMonAg-JteCrmCo:utScoUmSesT, A I N I N G C R I T I C A L S E R V I C E S sAuCcSh iassp: roud to be a founding member of the Massachusetts Alliance of Juvenile Court Clinics (MAJCC). Below are• ssoumiciedoefatthteemapntsy highlights from the past year. • chronic health conditions • p• rMemaianttuarineeddeFautnhding in FY21 State Budget for Juvenile Court Clinics • Educated new State Representatives and Senators on the needs of children and families who are court-involved and the critical importance of juvenile court clinic funding • Provided support to Massachusetts Juvenile Court Clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic • Increased Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Data Collection Statewide 9

Financials FY2021 From the most recent audited fiscal year: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 OPERATING REVENUE Government Grants & Contracts $1,286,746 Corporate and Foundation Grants $288,377 Individual Contributions $120,655 In-kind $61,110 Other income $19,180 TOTAL $1,776,068 Investment Income $504,978 OPERATING EXPENSES $1,495,618 $224,875 Program Services $79,508 Management and General Fundraising $1,800,001 TOTAL “I can’t thank you enough. You went above and beyond for us and I appreciate it.” - Mother of an ACS client 10

FY21 Donor List Thank you for believing in our mission and empowering high-risk kids and their families. ACS is extremely grateful for all of our generous supporters. This list highlights donors whose financial contributions were received during FY21 (7/1/2020-6/30/2021). LEADERS Cambridge Community Foundation Avidia Charitable Foundation Bushrod H. Campbell and Stewart and Patricia Chapin GIFTS OF $10,000+ Adah F. Hall Charity Fund Cosette Charitable Fund Lois and Jim Champy Susan Culman Anonymous Nancy L. Donahue Robert and Evelyn Doran Marion B. Boynton Trust, East Cambridge Savings Bank Andrea Dupree Bank of America, N.A., Trustee Fish Family Foundation Robyn Eastwood and Taylor Snook Cabot Family Charitable Trust Forest Foundation Debbie and Ron Eastwood City of Cambridge Foundation M Jonathan Hecht and Lora Sabin Cogan Family Foundation Barbara and Amos Hostetter The Heney Charitable Trust Cummings Foundation Roy A. Hunt Foundation Daniel Jacobs and Susan Quinn Orville W. Forte Elizabeth Keating Stephen B. Kay Charitable Foundation Barbara Leggat Leah M. Kelly and Bruce Reynolds The Janey Fund Edward H. Mank T. Ross Kelly The Klarman Family Foundation MutualOne Charitable Foundation Fran and Hugh Miller Jonathan Kutchins William and Margaret Paine Katharine and Tony Pell The William and Lia G. Poorvu John Petrowsky Carolyn and Frank Reynolds Family Foundation Beth K. Pfeiffer Lynda Schubert Saab Family Foundation Plimpton-Shattuck Fund at Mary and David Shahian Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation The Boston Foundation Eric Shank Helen and Peter Randolph Jane and Ben Siegel Public Sector Reliant Foundation Chris Snook and Susan Stoddart Department of Mental Health Frederick E. Weber Charles K. Storey Massachusetts Juvenile Court Charities Corporation Stevenson Family Charitable Trust Rich Wenger CHAMPIONS A D V O C AT E S David Wilcox and Charlotte Pierce GIFTS OF $2,500-$9,999 GIFTS OF $1,000-$2,499 11 Anonymous (2) Anonymous (2) Trustees of the Ayer Home Judith Aronstein Frederick A. Bailey Trust; BNY Mellon, N.A., Corporate Trustee Bennett Family Foundation

FY21 Donor List ALLIES Katherine Page and Alan Hein Emile Caron GIFTS OF $250-$999 Mathilde Pelaprat and Ellie Castine Kristen Van Damm Colleen Clinkscale and Anonymous Mary and Gary Pforzheimer Timothy Lynch Deborah Benik and Edward Shapiro Jonathan and Amy Poorvu Ellen Cohen and Daniel Haber Hon. Jay Blitzman William and Helen Pounds Andrew Cohn and Marcia Leavitt Josh Buckley and Kristen Wiwczar Laura Prager and Frederick Millham Ellissa Collier Paul and Katie Buttenwieser Adele Pressman Anne Covert Pete and Sara Caron Rebecca and Weldon Pries Priscilla Damon Esther Chen Karen Richards Eleanor Edelstein Lael and Charles Chester Natalie Riffin Judy Ellenzweig Grace Conway Abby Rockefeller and Lee Halprin Kate Ellsworth Clark Downs David and Deirdre Rosenberg Hon. Margaret Fearey Laura Dziorny Robert Silberman and Nancy Netzer Cristina Freitas Anne Ellsworth Ann Starnbach Wise Debbie Freitas Holly and Chris Ferguson Stop & Shop Hon. Gail Garinger Nancy and Richard Fryberger Karen Tucker and Jerry Avor Dori Gerber Monique Garrity Owen and Miriam Gingerich Terrie Graham SUPPORTERS Robert Gittens Sylvia Hammer GIFTS UP TO $250 Grace Gregor Julian and Susan Houston David Griffin Hughes and Company Hon. Kerry Ahern Penny Haney Katherine and Ralph Hughes Amazon Smile Foundation Lora Heims Tessman Samuel and Emily Leadholm Nick Amsden Emily Henderson Martha Leggat and Stephen Barr Alice and Colby Andrus Judith L. Herman Franklyn MacLean Anonymous (8) Martin Heyman Kristin and John Macomber Susan Ayers and Nancy Salonpuro Elizabeth and Melville Hodder Susan and Pieter Mimno Sandy Bakalar William and Kay Hudgins Neil Motenko and Mindy Marguiles Stephanie Ball David and Emily Hutcheson Linda Myers Katherine Barkowski Wendy Kaplan Armour and Martha Ondras and Martin Pearlman Leslie Boden and Judy Yanof Tim Armour Tim and Joanne Oyer Marianne E. Brown Rudolph Kass Ava Bry Penman 12

Mary Kassler Emily Restivo We got it! ACS was awarded a Jacquie Kay Deborah Reyes 10-year grant through Cummings Jonathan Kelly Pamela Riffin Kilkelly Law Offices Carol Rosensweig Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Hon. Patrick King and Sandra Moody Eleanor and David Rubin Program! Thank you, Cummings Hon. Kenneth King Dan Sanford Foundation, for supporting our work Robert Kinscherff Gema Schaff to provide children involved in the Rona and Michael Knight Robert N. Shapiro juvenile justice system with direct, Thomas Kreider Margaret Quinn Simons and Cheryl Kyle Thomas Simons no-cost mental health care. Michael Lafleur and Johanna Benotti Lucretia Slaughter Leslie Lagasse Maura Smith THANK YOU Hon. Stephen Limon Claude and Elizabeth Smith Jennifer MacIntyre Joan Steiger Cummings Foundation! Elizabeth and Stephen Maglio Laura Stephens Rachel and Joseph Martin Robert B. Straus 1133 Evy Megerman Judith and John Styer Hugh Miller Peter and Charlotte Temin Andrew Navarette The Mount Vernon Company Carolyn Noering Jane Thorbeck Hon. Susan Oker Nancy Tye Gladys Paul Sophie Wadsworth Ellen and Jim Perrin Chelsea Walsh Lauren Persing Jonathan and Stephanie Warburg Kathy Pilarski Dana Whyte Julia Poorvu Howard Wishnie and Catherine Mitkus Ellen Poss Margaret Witecki Jane Prager David Woodrow Regina Pyle Norma and Arnold Zack Eggert Ragnarsson Laurie Raymond David Reisen

ADOLESCENT CONSULTATION SERVICES, INC. FY21 189 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141 BOARD OF DIRECTORS T 617.494.0135 F 617.494.0136 www.acskids.org Fran Miller, President William H. Paine, Chair /acsinckids Jacquie L. Kay, Treasurer @acsinckids @acs_kids Jane R. Siegel, Clerk Terrie Graham Daniel H. Jacobs Elizabeth Keating Leah M. Kelly Michael A. Lafleur Lia G. Poorvu Laura M. Prager Mary M. Shahian Charles K. “Chip” Storey David K. Wilcox FY20 Annual Report