Families with 11-14 Year Olds Needed for Compensated ($300) Depression Study
Families of children ages 11-14 who struggle with a low mood are invited to participate in a web-based program funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The program is being conducted by researchers at ORCAS (www.orcasinc.com), a behavioral science research company in Eugene, Oregon. The [...] Read More »
Looking for Children with Behavioral Problems Placed Outside Their Home Schools!
The Education Law Center (ELC) is concerned that too many children with significant behavioral health needs or emotional disabilities who could be served in regular schools with appropriate supports are being steered or sent to partial hospitalization programs or other separate programs, such as online or cyber schools or alternative education programs. ELC would like to [...] Read More »
Just Released! National Family Engagement Action Plan
The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) has just published Safety, Fairness, & Stability For Youth and Families—Recommendations to Strengthen Federal Agency Support of Family Engagement Efforts. Pennsylvania had representation in this effort and contributed the knowledge and products developed through the Family Involvement Committee of the Chief’s Council in the last six years. Kudos [...] Read More »
Fact Sheet on Youth with Serious Mental Health Conditions (SMHC)
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has prepared a Research Brief (4 pages) for youth with Serious Mental Health Conditions (SMHC), their families, and others helping them make the transition to adulthood. The Brief outlines key topics including Typical Development (in adolescence), Unique Aspects (for youth with SMHC), and Typical Family Life Cycle Stages. The Brief’s [...] Read More »
Allegheny County’s Family Peer-to-Peer Support
Family peer-to-peer support is an effective support service for many families with complex needs. Trained family providers/advocates help other families advocate for their children. Families may need help with education, juvenile justice, child welfare, developmental disability, mental health, or substance abuse systems and services. In Pennsylvania 30 county governments fund this service (see Advocacy Resources [...] Read More »
Real Stories & Help from Youth — Reachout.com
Using video or writing, youth share inspiring messages of hope and coping and personal stories about their struggles with emotional issues on reachout.com. The site is an information and support service that uses evidence based principles and technology to help teens and young adults who face tough times and struggle with mental health issues. All content is [...] Read More »
Office for Dispute Resolution Stakeholder Council Position
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) Stakeholder Council has decided to add a seat on the Council to be filled by an individual representing the interests of the mental health community. This is a volunteer position. Organizations that address mental health issues for children and students ages birth-21 are asked to submit names for consideration. [...] Read More »
New Website for PA Wraparound Enhancement
Revisiting Wrapround in PA The Youth and Family Institute has launched a comprehensive website to give the public information on Pennsylvania’s efforts to improve Wraparound practice for children. Visit the website. The Youth and Family Institute is contracted with the Department of Welfare to develop High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) in PA counties. The website provides [...] Read More »
Call “2-1-1” in Berks County & Other Counties for Community Connections
This fall, Berks County is launching their 2-1-1 help service under the United Way. Berks County residents can now dial the three numbers, “2-1-1” to get assistance finding needed services. Berks County joins several other Pennsylvania Counties in offering a 2-1-1 phone service. This is not a crisis line, like 9-1-1, but it is a [...] Read More »
PA Department of Public Welfare Awarded Grant to Help Children and Youth with Emotional Disabilities
This fall the Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander announced that Pennsylvania is one of 19 states chosen to receive a federal System of Care Expansion Planning Grant. The grant will be used to better assist families and their children who experience serious emotional disabilities. “System of care” is a term used to [...] Read More »
About Us
The Children's News is a program of the Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania (MHAPA) and its affiliates across the state. We provide information for families on children's mental health issues in Pennsylvania – including advocacy efforts, events, and policies – and offer families the opportunity to share information on these issues with us.
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