March

2019

Helping You Raise Awareness: CMHAW Tools and Resources

Did you know CMHAW began with parents and a

Federation chapter? Learn more below...

The History of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

 

1949 The National Mental Health Association declared May as Mental Health Month. Although this nationally recognized observance began as Mental Health Week, with an increase in public interest and a broadening scope of issues, it grew into a month-long awareness campaign.

 

1950s-60′s Through the next 2 decades, special emphasis was placed on educating the public around mental illness and inviting them to state hospitals and other locations to learn more. In the late 1960s, this national observance was expanded to become May is Mental Health Month to bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health care.

 

1970’s In the 1970s observances shifted to community based events as state hospital “patients” were moved to community settings.

 

1991 A group of parents in Missouri got together and decided that one of the most important projects they could undertake was to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding children’s mental health. They formed a coalition of parents, professionals and other stakeholders and created Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Over the next five years three more states, Kansas, Illinois and Ohio began their own celebration of Children’s Mental Health Week. The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health later joined the coalition and promoted the mission.

 

1996 PAL, today called PPAL, launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in Massachusetts. Its theme was “One Youth at A Time” and included posters, a tool kit, as well as public service announcements. The campaign has grown each year since then.

2004 The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health declared the first full week of May as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week nationally. National Federation partners and all 120 Federation chapters and state organizations were invited and encouraged to participate in a weeklong celebration of advocacy and awareness efforts.

 

2006 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services launched an annual national initiative called “National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day,” which occurs during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

 

2007 The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health launched the Annual Green Ribbon Campaign, one of their most important awareness and education campaigns. The green ribbon is a key symbol in social marketing and awareness efforts. It is an uplifting campaign while also spreading awareness through positive public health promotion effort and initiating dialogue throughout communities nationally and internationally.

 

Today, the goal of this nationally recognized event is to increase public awareness and educate communities to expand the understanding of children’s mental health needs and their resulting impact on families.

SAMSHA's CMHA Event

On Monday, May 6, 2019 at 3:00p.m. SAMHSA will host a launch event for activities being held across the country on National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which will be observed nationwide on Thursday, May 9. The event, titled "Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work," will focus on the impact that suicide has on children, youth, young adults, families, and communities and address what we can do to connect those in need to information, services, and supports that could save lives. States, tribes, territories and communities across the nation will host events and activities around

children’s mental health throughout the month of May.

We look forward to supporting and promoting

your awareness activities this May!

Legislation, policy, advocacy and funding related updates are now sent separately from our monthly newsletter . We invite you to sign up to receive these important emails and alerts and to visit our newly redesigned Legislative & Advocacy page for more information and resources.

Submit your state's advocacy and legislative updates to mcovington@ffcmh.org .

Behavior & Discipline in School

Date: Fri day, March 8, 2019 Time: 12:00-1:00pm MST

Participants will learn the components of the discipline process under IDEA and gain strategies that can help children with their behavior. Understanding Positive Behavioral Supports, Nevada's laws on Aversive Interventions, suspension and expulsion policies will give participants information on how to help children reach success.

Anxiety and School Success: Creating a Plan that Works

Date: Monday, March 4, 2019 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

The most common emotional difficulty experienced by youth in school is anxiety. When anxiety contributes to challenging behaviors parents and others may struggle to know how to help. Topics addressed will include: understanding behavior as communication, learning about behaviors that may reflect anxiety, discovering alternatives to consequences and punishment, exploring effective interventions for support at school, including the role of Section 504 and special education.

Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019 Time: 9:00-11:00am

Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. Parents of young children with disabilities will learn how to plan for the transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.

Improving Learning Outcomes for Your Young Child

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Families of young children with disabilities ages birth to five will learn about evidence-based practices and how they can be used to increase family engagement and improve learning outcomes.

Making the Transition Beyond High School: Technology to Support Success for College and Career

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019 Time: 2:00-3:30pm

This workshop will feature assistive technology to support youth with disabilities at college and in their career. Demonstrations will include tools and apps for executive function, computer access, reading, writing, and notetaking.

Early Psychosis and Clinical High Risk: Key Components and Decisions

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 Time: 1:00-2:30pm EST

This webinar will build on the prior two in the series, focusing on key decisions in program design and engagement of youth and families in decision making. Participants will be encouraged to share how they are thinking about these questions, and lessons they have learned. The overview will include: how Clinical High Risk for Psychosis relates to first episode and system of care efforts, eligibility and variations in stepped care Frameworks, youth and family engagement, service components and long-term transitions.

Operationalizing System of Care Communication: Telling Stories that Work

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Time: 2:30-4:00pm EST

This webinar will launch a Four-Part System of Care (SOC) Communication Series, Reframing Child and Adolescent Well-being, provided by the FrameWorks Institute on evidence-based communication strategies proven to make messages - about child and adolescent mental and behavioral health, adolescent substance use, juvenile justice, child welfare, and related issues - more effective. This session will highlight how social science research can tell us which messaging choices lead to which responses. Participants will learn about strategic framing: what it is, how it works, and why it matters; and will gain new tools that can be used right away. This webinar is part of the SOC Expansion Leadership LC.

Cultural and Structural Considerations in Addressing Psychosis in Youth

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019 Time: 2:30-4:00pm EST

This webinar will focus on strategies states and communities can use to create effective partnerships to expand systems of care for children, youth, and young adults with behavioral health challenges and their families. A framework will be presented that outlines the roles of states and communities in SOC expansion and sustainability, along with ideas to enhance partnerships. This webinar is part of the SOC Expansion Leadership LC.

Guide for Families Considering a Residential Program for Their Child with Behavioral Health Needs

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019 Time: 3:00-4:30pm EST

Parents and caregivers may consider a residential program for their child when they feel they have exhausted all other options. This decision comes with a mixture of emotions and worries about whether it is the right thing to do. A Guide for Families Considering a Residential Program for their Child was developed by families and is based on work of the Building Bridges Initiative. The Guide addresses topics such as safety, family involvement, education and transitioning home. Join FREDLA for this webinar of importance to families, parent peer support providers, residential program providers and administrators.