Family/Youth Survey — PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Services
OVR is an important resource for transition age youth with disabilities. OVR has created five brief surveys that take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey provides OVR with input and feedback about how to improve their services. If you use or need OVR services, please take a few minutes, choose the appropriate survey and [...] Read More »
Reform Continues this Spring for PA’s Behavioral Health Children’s Services
The following information was presented at the April 7 meeting of the Children’s Advisory Committee by the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Children’s Bureau (OMHSAS). All the reforms listed below focus on supporting children with serious behavioral needs to live with their family in their community and to be healthy and [...] Read More »
Students with Disabilities + Poor School Programs — What Families Can Do
Students with disabilities can be at risk of short and long-term problems if they do not get what they need to access and benefit from their education. If a family disagrees with what a school is offering their child, they have the right to ask for what they believe their child needs. (See More Information [...] Read More »
MHAPA Seeks Youth Advocate
MHAPA seeks to fill a part-time youth advocate position. The selected candidate will work to ensure the protection of youth rights in juvenile justice facilities. Successful candidate will have advocacy experience, reporting and organizational skills, knowledge about the mental health and juvenile justice systems, a college degree and/or a combination of experience and education, and [...] Read More »
MHAPA Joins Juvenile Law Center in Opposition to Proposed Rule 152 Regarding Waiver of Counsel for Juveniles
MHAPA, along with 39 other local and national organizations and legal experts, has joined the Juvenile Law Center (JLC) in opposing the Proposed Rule 152 on waiver of counsel for juveniles. The Proposed Rule allows for juveniles to waive their right to counsel based on certain criteria. In a comment to the Proposed Rule 152, [...] Read More »
Celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 3, 2011
On May 3, 2011, more than 100 federal agencies and national organizations will celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day). And at least 1,000 communities are also expected to mark the day with awareness raising activities. Learn more about activities planned both in Washington DC, including a webcast panel discussion on the state [...] Read More »
Governor Corbett Releases Proposed FY 2011-2012 Budget
During his fall campaign, Governor Tom Corbett’s published position on human services opened with the following statement,“Tom Corbett believes that meeting the human service needs of vulnerable Pennsylvanians is a core responsibility of state government.” In his first budget proposal, we are relieved to report that he has honored that pledge to the extent possible [...] Read More »
Next Pennsylvania Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC) on April 7
The public is invited to attend the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) Advisory meetings as Sunshine Members. Public participation on Committee workgroups is welcome. The next meeting is on Thursday, April 7, and will be a joint committee morning session with state mental health staff presenting the proposed FY 2011-2012 [...] Read More »
Update On Early Childhood Mental Health Initiatives in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare publishes periodic updates on early childhood mental health initiatives. Its March 2011 update includes information about Parent-Child Interaction Therapy expansion in Pennsylvania, 2011 National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, updates on various early childhood mental health initiatives, and several new resources for practitioners. More information about early childhood mental health [...] Read More »
More Children’s Residential Facilities Certified as Sanctuary Sites
On March 9, 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) announced an additional six children’s residential facilities have earned certification in The Sanctuary Model, a theory-based, trauma-informed, evidence-supported, whole culture approach to changing an organizational culture. Congratulations to the staff, administration, children, and families who accomplished this distinction. The new facilities are Mars Home For [...] 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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