Message from Executive Director, Lynda Gargan
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The
28th Annual National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
, November 9
th
to the 12
th
in Orlando, Florida was a tremendous success. It was amazing to have 650 attendees dedicated to family voice together in one place. There were representatives from 32 states as well as from Guam and Canada. How strong we are together. We were proud to have representatives from 46
of the National Federation’s chapters/affiliates in attendance this year. Your presence helped to make this event a great success and your enthusiasm and positive spirit helped make our time together both productive and fun
We want to say a special thank you to our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Emerald Sponsors – Anthem, Magellan Complete Care, Magellan Health, PAXIS Institute, MIKID, TUFF, Optum, Allegheny Family Network, University Behavioral Center and Central Florida Behavioral Health. As well as, thank you our Chapter Sponsors – Georgia Parent Support Network, F.A.C.T, Families as Allies, ASK Family Services, Federation of Families of Central Florida, Inc, Oregon Family Support Network, SPANN, ACMH and the Family Café. Without all your support, this wonderful event could not have happened.
On Thursday we had an incredible Pre-Conference day with three great day long sessions. Greg Dicharry and his fantastic team held a tremendous Youth Leadership Academy. Erin Roepcke provided a day long training on PAX Tools for Families. Tara Larson provided her expertise in Explore Funding, Certification, and Reciprocity for Parent/Family Peer Support,
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Our keynote speakers motivated, educated and inspired us. On Friday we opened the Conference with an update from
Dr. Gary Blau
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Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, Center for Mental Health Services about how the field of child, youth and family mental health is changing, adapting and evolving. Then Mike Veny got us on our feet about transforming stigma in youth. The Gallagher Sisters made us laugh on Saturday as the authors of “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid” introduced us to the Movement of Imperfection. On Sunday Morning we were inspired by the Youth Session, reminding us what it is all about. Our youth are AMAZING! A very special thank you to Greg Dicharry for pulling together the talent from the youth field.
During the three day conference we had we had 159 presenters sharing their knowledge and experience in 87 different breakout session presentations. Thank you so very much to all our presenters for sharing your time and talents.
The planning has started for next year’s conference. Be working on your presentation proposals now
Lynda
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28th Annual Award Winners
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Karl Dennis Unconditional Care - Sybil Goldman
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The Karl Dennis Unconditional Care Award recognizes an individual who has made a lasting contribution to children's mental health on the national level, who reflects the values of the National Federation, who has contributed to the body of knowledge of the philosophy of unconditional care, and who demonstrates compassion for children, youth and their families.
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Reclaiming Children Award - Kaytra MacDonald
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The
Reclaiming Children Award
recognizes an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to enhancing the lives of children and their families. Kaytra MacDonald, with Champions for Children’s Mental Health is Delaware
was the recipient of this award for 2017.
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Making a Difference Award - Idaho Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
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The
Making a Difference Award
recognizes a National Federation Chapter or State Organization that utilizes the power of partnerships, collaboration and grass roots advocacy to enhance services, supports and awareness for children and youth who experience behavioral health challenges and their families. We were delighted to present Making a Difference Award to Idaho Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.
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The
Jane Adams Peer Support Award
recognizes a Nationally Certified Parent Support Provider that demonstrates overall excellence in the provision of support to families who are parenting children and youth experiencing behavioral health challenges. This year’s recipient was Frederick Douglas from North Carolina’s Families United’s System of Care team.
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Jane Adams Peer Support - Frederick Douglas
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Representing You - Legislation and Advocacy
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The Federation actively represents you as part of the
Mental Health Liaison Group
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The Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) is a coalition of almost 70 national organizations representing consumers, parents and family members, advocates, providers, and mental health experts dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
- The Federation through the MHLG expressed opposition though a letter sent to the House/Senate leadership regarding opposition to repeal of the ACA individual mandate and the medical expense deduction. MHLG Opposition
- The Federation was supportive of the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act. MHLG S1950/HR3931
- Since its inception in 1997,The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), together with Medicaid, has helped to reduce the numbers of uninsured children by a remarkable 68 percent. With CHIP funding expired on September 30, 2017, The Federation continues to advocated nationally with MHLG and in support of state's advocacy for the five year re-authorization of CHIP
- The Federation kept affiliates up to date on the latest with Mental Health Parity.
- MHLG Parity Memo
- Disparity Analysis
- Insurance Commissioners by State
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Upcoming Webinars and Training
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"Family Support Partners - A Growing Resource for Idaho Families"
Thursday,
December 7th at 10AM MST
Sometimes a parent with a "shared experience" can be the most helpful resource when feeling overwhelmed by raising a child with mental health challenges, drawing from their own parenting experience and additional training. Learn more about this service, how to become a CFSP and the CFSP's working in the community.
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Assistive Technology: New Apps and Chrome Tools
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Thursday
December Dec 07 at 12:0 0pm ET
Assistive Technology Consultant and Trainer
Gear your child up with the latest apps and Chrome tools.
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Mindfulness as an Intervention for Adolescents (2 CE’s)
This is a 2-hour/credit course that overviews mindfulness, it’s role in working with adolescents, and relational mindfulness. This course is a must for anyone working with adolescents who’s interesting in incorporating mindfulness into their work. Course learning objectives:
- DEFINE mindfulness in age appropriate language
- REVIEW why mindfulness can be a good intervention for adolescents
- LIST three aspects of relational mindfulness
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Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Basics
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
at 7 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
For family caregivers and others with an interest in supporting someone with Bipolar Disorder
featuring Dr. Martha Tompson and Dr. Pata Suyemoto.
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This Kindness Calendar has suggested good deeds to do throughout December 2018 to help spread a little more happiness in our communities.
You can download the Kindness Calendar as an
image file for sharing via social media or as a
PDF file for printing out. Please pass it on to others :)
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