“They’re Not Broken” Reframing How We Help Vulnerable Youth
With Tina Chang
Stories to Solutions
In our recent conversation with Tina Chang, Programs Director at Olive Crest, we explored how trauma-informed care is revolutionizing support for vulnerable young people. With over 50 years of experience serving youth and families, Olive Crest provides comprehensive services ranging from parent education to housing support for those up to age 24.
Tina's personal journey as the child of a teen mother shaped her passion for this work. "We come to this work because there's some things in our own life that we either need to process or did process," she explains. This authentic connection to the mission drives Olive Crest's approach to supporting young people facing significant challenges.
Connecting Insights to Solutions
For pediatricians and medical professionals working with youth experiencing trauma, implementing these insights can transform care delivery. By creating trauma-informed medical environments where young people feel empowered rather than processed, providers can build the trust necessary for effective treatment.
Olive Crest's approach demonstrates how shifting from deficit-based to strength-based perspectives creates better outcomes. Their comprehensive services—including mental health support, parent education, and specialized care for victims of exploitation—address the whole person and their family system.
"If we don't help their parents, we're not helping any children," Tina notes, highlighting the importance of family-centered care. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable healing happens within supportive relationships and communities.
By adopting these principles, medical providers can become powerful allies in a young person's journey toward healing and resilience. As Tina reminds us, "We can't take them anywhere they're not willing to go. So, let's slow down and listen to them."
Tina's personal journey as the child of a teen mother shaped her passion for this work. "We come to this work because there's some things in our own life that we either need to process or did process," she explains. This authentic connection to the mission drives Olive Crest's approach to supporting young people facing significant challenges.
Connecting Insights to Solutions
For pediatricians and medical professionals working with youth experiencing trauma, implementing these insights can transform care delivery. By creating trauma-informed medical environments where young people feel empowered rather than processed, providers can build the trust necessary for effective treatment.
Olive Crest's approach demonstrates how shifting from deficit-based to strength-based perspectives creates better outcomes. Their comprehensive services—including mental health support, parent education, and specialized care for victims of exploitation—address the whole person and their family system.
"If we don't help their parents, we're not helping any children," Tina notes, highlighting the importance of family-centered care. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable healing happens within supportive relationships and communities.
By adopting these principles, medical providers can become powerful allies in a young person's journey toward healing and resilience. As Tina reminds us, "We can't take them anywhere they're not willing to go. So, let's slow down and listen to them."
In our recent conversation with Tina Chang, Programs Director at Olive Crest, we explored how trauma-informed care is revolutionizing support for vulnerable young people. With over 50 years of experience serving youth and families, Olive Crest provides comprehensive services ranging from parent education to housing support for those up to age 24.
Tina's personal journey as the child of a teen mother shaped her passion for this work. "We come to this work because there's some things in our own life that we either need to process or did process," she explains. This authentic connection to the mission drives Olive Crest's approach to supporting young people facing significant challenges.
Connecting Insights to Solutions
For pediatricians and medical professionals working with youth experiencing trauma, implementing these insights can transform care delivery. By creating trauma-informed medical environments where young people feel empowered rather than processed, providers can build the trust necessary for effective treatment.
Olive Crest's approach demonstrates how shifting from deficit-based to strength-based perspectives creates better outcomes. Their comprehensive services—including mental health support, parent education, and specialized care for victims of exploitation—address the whole person and their family system.
"If we don't help their parents, we're not helping any children," Tina notes, highlighting the importance of family-centered care. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable healing happens within supportive relationships and communities.
By adopting these principles, medical providers can become powerful allies in a young person's journey toward healing and resilience. As Tina reminds us, "We can't take them anywhere they're not willing to go. So, let's slow down and listen to them."
Tina's personal journey as the child of a teen mother shaped her passion for this work. "We come to this work because there's some things in our own life that we either need to process or did process," she explains. This authentic connection to the mission drives Olive Crest's approach to supporting young people facing significant challenges.
Connecting Insights to Solutions
For pediatricians and medical professionals working with youth experiencing trauma, implementing these insights can transform care delivery. By creating trauma-informed medical environments where young people feel empowered rather than processed, providers can build the trust necessary for effective treatment.
Olive Crest's approach demonstrates how shifting from deficit-based to strength-based perspectives creates better outcomes. Their comprehensive services—including mental health support, parent education, and specialized care for victims of exploitation—address the whole person and their family system.
"If we don't help their parents, we're not helping any children," Tina notes, highlighting the importance of family-centered care. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable healing happens within supportive relationships and communities.
By adopting these principles, medical providers can become powerful allies in a young person's journey toward healing and resilience. As Tina reminds us, "We can't take them anywhere they're not willing to go. So, let's slow down and listen to them."
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Links to Solutions
Slow down and build trust
"Young people are slow to trust," Tina emphasizes. The standard 15-minute medical appointment often isn't enough to create safety. Medical providers can make a difference by being intentional about connection, asking permission before procedures, and explaining what will happen.
Focus on strengths, not deficits
"We're going to treat them like they are successes and see if they'll succeed." Rather than defining young people by their trauma or challenges, Olive Crest approaches each person as someone with potential and capabilities waiting to be developed.
Practice patience and consistency
"The trauma took time to happen... We're not going to heal all that in three months." Meaningful change requires ongoing support and understanding that recovery isn't linear. Being a consistent, non-judgmental presence is crucial for long-term success.
Meet Our Guest
Tina Chang
Tina Chang is the Regional Programs Director at Olive Crest in Los Angeles, where she plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable youth, particularly those in foster care. With over a decade of experience in child and family services, Tina has been instrumental in developing and implementing programs that provide essential resources and guidance to foster youth. Her work emphasizes stability, support, and community, aligning with Olive Crest's mission to prevent child abuse and support families in crisis.
Connect to Tina Chang
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/tina-chang-54522572
Biz Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OliveCrest
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
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