Know Better, Do Better: Police, Children and Mental Health

Our mission to serve youth with behavioral health needs includes standing up for their rights. This has never been more important than it is now, as we contend with dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism.

Two members of our PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale team were moved to write an op-ed this month after seeing video of Rochester, New York, police pepper-spraying a handcuffed Black girl who was obviously in mental distress. The 9-year-old was screaming and calling for her father as several white officers struggled to put her into a police cruiser. The fourth-grader’s mother had called police during an argument with her spouse on Jan. 29, CBS reported, but asked officers to call mental health services when it became clear her fourth-grade daughter was headed for a meltdown.

These are excerpts from the call for a change in policies – and improved training, resources and support for police – written by Counseling Supervisor Veronica Dillard and Behavior Supervisor Barbara McCollett. Read the Full Op-Ed here.

Many say that we are dealing with two pandemics simultaneously: COVID-19 and systemic racism. While this may not be the root issue in the case of this 9-year-old, the impact of both of these pandemics cannot be ignored in this incident. One might question: Was this bad policing? Was this the impact of systemic racism? Was this the result of an increase in mental health needs of children during COVID? Was this the impact of trauma or toxic stress? Whatever the answer is, we see a little Black girl fearful and in distress in the hands of at least five white officers while she was experiencing a mental health emergency. 

Change is necessary. According to a 2015 Police Executive Research Forum survey, “for every one hour of training devoted to studying de-escalation techniques, there were eight hours of training dedicated to learning about using some type of force." ...

In 2016 the US Department of Justice reported that there are nearly 18,000 Police Agencies within the US. Only 71 utilize ICAT training (Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics) developed by PERF. ICAT focuses on topics such as self-management, emphasizing safe resolution over quick resolution, the value of demonstrating respect when attempting to defuse situations, and understanding the effects of trauma, disabilities, and fear on those experiencing crisis. This training is offered in an effort to “challenge conventional thinking” within law enforcement. However, it remains underutilized. …

While law enforcement officers experience trauma in the course of their work daily, conventional attitudes discourage self-care in the way of emotional and mental health treatment. Research has proven that members of law enforcement are at higher risk of suicide, divorce, alcohol abuse, and stress disorders than the national average. Yet there is no prioritization of wellness for those relied upon to manage the most demanding crises.

While the majority of those in law enforcement will state that they became officers in order to make a difference in the world, they cannot do so without the proper training to meet the challenges they face daily. They cannot do so without the knowledge required to understand, relate to, and support those that they are tasked to “protect and serve.” They cannot do so without the self-care to return to work as healthy as possible to face their daily demands. ...

When they are provided the needed training, they may fulfill the words of Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Hate Has No Place at PHILLIPS

PHILLIPS Directors have issued a statement about the increasing violence directed at those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. This continues to be a tough period of time in our country and we are shocked by the recent killings in Atlanta. We want to make it clear that PHILLIPS is a place where everyone is welcome.

We stand in solidarity with our Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that have been targets of increased hate crimes.

PHILLIPS does not support or tolerate any forms of hate or crimes against people. We must stand together to support all people to live in a way that allows them to be free, to be themselves, and all that means to them. To continue to see hate crimes in this day and age is painful and traumatic. Let's continue to do our part in celebrating people and who they are. Let’s offer support and compassion for one another as we grow as a nation during this painful time.

If you are witness to any hate crimes report this right away to the proper authorities and the police. Take action immediately. 

5 Goals for 2025

Offer sustainable and replicable models that provide employment opportunities for those encountering barriers:

• Become the thought leader in the region and to organizations that focus on transitioning adults with disabilities from education to employment, behavioral health services and special education programs

• Diversify and increase funding, including resources from national entities, without disrupting the core business

• Increase visibility regionally and nationally, and be recognized as experts in developing and implementing programs and services that positively impact children, young adults and their families

• Increase the size and diversity of the Board

The PHILLIPS Programs Strategic Plan for 2025 is the culmination of a year’s work by trustees, staff and community members to map out the next five years and beyond. Click here for a detailed breakdown of our key strategies and activities to achieve these goals.

Read PHILLIPS Annual Report for a summary of our achievements in 2020.

Career Opportunities at PHILLIPS

Our team of more than 280 dedicated, caring people serves about 600 youth in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, through five schools, four Career and Technical Education programs and our Family Partners home/community-based program.

Open positions include: Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Speech/Language Therapist, Instructional Support Assistant, Bi-Lingual Family Worker, Development Associate

To learn more and apply, visit the Careers page on our website.

PHILLIPS School ~ Fairfax Turns 5

Five years have flown by since we acquired our Fairfax campus from Oak Valley on March 1, 2016. Since then, the student population has more than doubled and two spaces have been adding allowing for the increase in students served and the fabulous Designing Futures 3D lab. Thank you to Program Director Alteasha Ervin and her entire staff for five years of daily student support, collaboration and advocacy for the best services.

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families
7010 Braddock Rd | Annandale, Virginia 22003
703-941-8810 | piper.phillips@phillipsprograms.org

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families is a private, non-profit organization serving the complex needs of children and youth living with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral challenges in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Through excellence in specialized education, community programs and individualized support services, we provide our children and families every advantage to ensure they develop to achieve their greatest individual success. Their potential is our commitment.