The Ally: News that Can Directly Touch Our Lives |
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| | As we put together this week's Ally, I was struck by how much information is "out there." There's an overwhelming amount of news and data that can directly touch our lives and our family, but I hope you find our summary each week helpful.
I was touched to learn that Henry Moore, in his role as an advisory board member for the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, shared information about how his role in supporting families evolved over the past eighteen months. I hope you'll take the time to read his thoughts and learn more about the Center.
This week's issue includes our public comments about the Department of Mental Health's proposed policy on Mississippi Youth Programs Around the Clock (MYPAC) and information about the State's first brief in its appeal of the mental health lawsuit. Policies and lawsuits can seem complicated and removed from what is going on in the real world. Still, both represent opportunities to ensure the system is driven by people receiving services and their families. We hope you will join us in advocating for that priority. Also, let us know how well we reflect that commitment in our work every day.
Don't forget to join us for our virtual combined Community Partnership Celebration and New Year Open House on Monday, January 24, at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, with paid sponsorships available. There will be opportunities to share your ideas at the event. Please also take a few minutes to complete this survey and tell us how we did in 2021 and what you think Families as Allies should focus on in 2022.
If you are a person who works with parent peer supporters, such as a peer support supervisor, children's services director or MAP team facilitator please join us on January 20 at 3:00 p.m. or January 28 at 10 a.m. for a Conversation for Anyone working with Parent Peer Supporters. We will share an overview of Families as Allies' parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. We want to hear your feedback on how we're doing from your perspective and how we can be most supportive to you. We will also discuss issues in parent peer support, including how to pay for it.
Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents is Wednesday, January 12, at noon. Our events section has more training and support activities. | |
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 | | | In our comments on Mississippi State Department of Mental Health’s MYPAC policy, we conclude that it limits family voice and choice. | | |
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 | | | In the U.S. v. Mississippi mental health lawsuit, the State of Mississippi has filed its first brief in its appeal of the 2021 ruling. | | |
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 | | | In "Ask the Expert" from the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, our own Henry Moore answers the question "How has your work as a Family Support Specialist evolved in the last 18 months?" in his role as an advisory board member for NFSTAC. | | |
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 | | | Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system. | | |
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 | | | Join the MS Parent Training Information Center for part one in a series that will help you understand how to navigate the IEP process. | | |
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 | | | Presenters will describe the programs and discuss preliminary research efforts to implementing suicide prevention in schools. | | |
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 | | | Join the MS Parent Training Information Center as they discuss the educational options available to families in Mississippi. | | |
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 | | | Join the MS Parent Training Information Center and learn how to be prepared for the next phase of education. | | |
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 | | | The Mississippi State Board of Education meeting will be held on Jan. 20th. Participants may attend live or view the meeting via live stream. | | |
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 | | | This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues. | | |
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 | | | Join in as we share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. | | |
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 | | | Join Families as Allies on Jan 24th for a combined virtual event including the Annual Community Partnership and Annual Open House. | | |
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 | | | Join in as we share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. | | |
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 | | | This school year was supposed to bring a return to normalcy. But the stress of transitioning back to in-person learning and the ever-changing pandemic has caused a surge in mental health needs. | | |
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 | | | The pandemic upended life for families in America. Families whose children have mental health needs were particularly hard hit. | | |
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| | From the National Federation of Families Last year, we surveyed families and created a compelling infographic spotlighting the incredible challenges so many were facing. In particular, we asked how parents and caregivers were coping with COVID-19 and the strain it put on every aspect of family life - employment, education, childcare, etc. Families who completed the anonymous survey provided us with critical information about how the pandemic was impacting them and their children, especially in terms of academic progress, mental and behavioral health and substance use.
We are asking families a year later to share this vital information with us again so we can continue to advocate for the needs of families and children at the federal level. Please take a few moments to complete the 2022 survey and share it with your network of colleagues, partners, families and friends. Hearing from as many parents and caregivers as possible will help us represent family voices by painting the most accurate picture of family health and wellness today.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamiliesIn2022 | |
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