WASHINGTON — Far too often, WUSA9 must bring you heartbreaking news of deadly shootings on our streets. In Southeast D.C., a 3-year-old girl lost her life over the weekend. On National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Tuesday, WUSA9 highlighted one of the resources that can help families cope with the city’s violence.
A 17-year-old student was grazed by a bullet inside Dunbar High School Friday morning after police said her two classmates were shooting outside. That night, 3-year-old Ty'ah Settles was killed when a bullet pierced through the car she was riding in Garfield Heights on Hartford Street, Southeast.
The acts of senseless violence that are hard to wrap your mind around as an adult, even harder to process as a child.
"I try to explain to her, as far as, why she's not really outside around here a lot," explained Southeast mother Lanquasha Flood.
Like many parents, Flood may not always have the answers, but thanks to her child's doctor, she knew where to find help for herself and her now 8-year-old daughter.
"You never know what these kids are going through,” she said, “I wanted to know how to teach her, I mean I could talk to the school, but learn how to deal with her."
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder as an adult, Flood noticed some behavioral issues with her child early and wanted to get answers for her early in life.
Flood found that resource she needed at the Parent Infant Early Childhood Enhancement center (PIECE) on Howard Road, Southeast. At the center, trained clinicians coach parents and counsel children.
"We're seeing more young children now because we have community violence, we have domestic violence, we have physical violence, and we have sexual abuse,” said Shermain Bowden, program manager at PIECE.
The PIECE program works with children under 8 years old, many referred by doctors, child and family services, or their schools. Older children, teens, and young adults can receive care and be connected to services at the nearby Urgent Care Clinic at the Southeast facility. Medicaid covers the resources. Providers - that can be a matter of life or death and help break the cycle of violence and trauma in our communities.
"We have to bust the stigma. It is OK to seek the support you need," added Dr. Barbara Bazron Director of the DC Department of Behavioral Health, “I just don't believe their bad kids I think they're children who just haven't received the support they need to do the right thing."
As for Flood, she knows there is still work to do, but she is a calmer and more confident parent now that the pieces are coming together.
When asked if she was proud of herself, she replied: “Yes ma’am!” as her face lit up with a huge smile, “I am. I am, truly. You got to love yourself and I learned that.”
Right now, the program services 96 families with capacity to help 125. To learn more dial: 1-888-WE-HELP or log on to their website.