November
2018
November is National Adoption Month.
Learn more about how you can get involved and celebrate the wonderful gift of adoption here .
Conference Award Winners
We are thrilled to announce the following recipients of the 29th Annual Conference awards. With these awards we recognize substantial contributions to the field of children's mental health and to children and youth who experience behavioral health challenges and their families made by each of these individuals and organizations. Congratulations!
DIANA AUTIN
(New Jersey)
Reclaiming Children Award
GEORGIA PARENT SUPPORT NETWORK
(Georgia)
Making A Difference Award
RUTH FOX
(Pennsylvania)
Karl Dennis Unconditional Care Award
MELVA PAVELKA
(Nebraska)
Jane Adams Peer Support Award
Conference Summary
We were delighted to have nearly 600 attendees participate in this year's annual conference. We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors, partners, exhibitors, host organizations and volunteers for making the conference an outstanding event for all who participated. A special thank you goes to Magellan Health, Greg Dicharry and the terrific youth organizations and leaders who came together to plan an exciting program for our youth. Please enjoy the video of photos from the event below and visit our sponsor page here to help us recognize their invaluable support.
Conference Keynote Speakers
We would like to offer our special thanks to Liza Long and Dr. Victor Rios for being with us in Houston. Hearing their inspirational stories was a true highlight of the event. We are grateful they could join us!
Liza Long
Purchase her books here .
Dr. Victor Rios (left)
Purchase his books here .
Legislation and Advocacy
Look for our next edition of legislative updates in the December newsletter.
Webinars and Events
Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Parents play an important role in the special education process. Participants in this workshop will learn how parents can use their rights and abilities to advocate for their child and work effectively with the school. This workshop will also provide valuable information for surrogate parents, foster parents and the professionals who work with them on behalf of children.
Being an Active Participant in Your Child's Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 Time: 9:00-11:00am

Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. This workshop will help parents of young children with disabilities plan for this transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.
10th Anniversary of Parity: Where Are We Now?
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Time: 2:00pm EST

This webinar will provide a federal and state-based update of what has been accomplished since the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was signed into law on October 3, 2008 and what you as mental health advocates can do to move your state closer to realization of parity.
Early Childhood System of Care Learning Community: Home Visiting and Systems of Care
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 Time: 2:30-4:00pm EST

The topic will be on the intersection of home visiting and systems of care. The presenter will share information on the benefits of providing evidence-based home visiting services to strengthen maternal child health and well-being. This prevention-based strategy can be part of an integrated early childhood system of care.
System of Care Leadership LC: Developments and Opportunities in Financing Systems of Care
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Time: 2:30-4:00pm EST

This Learning Community session will provide information on changes and opportunities in the financing landscape for children’s behavioral health to advance system of care reforms, particularly within Medicaid and child welfare delivery systems. An overview will be provided of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation 's Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) model and its applicability to improving Medicaid delivery systems for children's behavioral health.
Nothing About Us Without Us: Growing Meaningful Young Adult Involvement in Your Organization
Date/Time: Pre-Recorded

Learn about effective practices for the meaningful involvement of young adults in service organizations with this webinar recording from the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research (previously known as Transitions RTC). Areas of potential young adult involvement that will be described include treatment/service planning and decision-making, partnering with youth to produce system and service change, peer-worker roles, and participatory research and evaluation.
Resources and Opportunities
From Healthline
ADHD it is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Click here for a resource page, inclusive of nonprofit organizations, online resources, research, advocacy, and awareness and support groups, to help individuals seeking support or information about ADHD. 
From The University of South Florida (USF)

The University of South Florida (USF) is seeking current or former students who have experienced a university mandated leave of absence for mental health reasons. While there have been many reports about mandated leave of absences, little research exists on the topic. For more information and to get involved, contact Emily Cutler at ecutler@mail.usf.edu .
From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA has provided the following resource for communities and caregivers to assist them with coping and supporting children and youth after traumatic events.

From Mental Health of America
MHA invites peer advocates to participate in a research study on secondary traumatic stress. Click here to learn more and to complete the survey. Participants may enter a raffle to win a $100 gift card.