October
2018
World Mental Health Day is October 10th
World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health , a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters celebrate to bring attention to mental illness and its effects on people worldwide.
Welcome New Affiliates
Please help us welcome our newest affiliates. Click a logo to visit their website or visit the Our Affiliates section of our website for contact information so you can reach out to their Executive Directors to extend a warm welcome to the Federation family.
The Youth Mental Health Project is a group of individuals who believe mental health is imperative to all health. They empower young people, parents, and caring adults with the practical knowledge, support and resources they need to nurture their children’s mental health and intervene when they recognize warning signs. Find their terrific parent guides in our resource section below.
Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illness, and/or special health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education.
Texas Family Voice Network (TxFVN) is a diverse collaboration of family members, community members, state agency representatives, family run organizations and other stakeholder groups, united to provide one common voice to promote successful outcomes for children’s mental and behavioral health.
Advocates of Healthy Minds in Texas is dedicated to promoting mental health and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, awareness, programs and activities that support a well balanced life. 
LLR’s mission is to increase awareness and support to individuals challenged by learning, social, and emotional development through all phases of life; early childhood, school age, and adulthood for the purpose of increasing access to all of life’s opportunities.   
29th Annual Conference
It's one month away. Register today!
See the full agenda including session titles, descriptions and presenter bios here .
Get details about the Youth Track and partnering organizations here .
Register to Attend
Become a Sponsor
The only national conference dedicated solely to issues that impact children, youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges and their families. Join parents, youth, family members and mental health professionals and advocates from across the country to hear terrific speakers and presenters and to discuss current issues pertaining to children's mental health, from the perspective of families and youth.
Legislation and Advocacy
This month we will be sending a separate legislative update.
Webinars and Events
Including All Children
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Time: 12:00-1:00pm EST

The New Jersey Inclusive Child Care Project (NJICCP) will be offering information sessions from September 26, 2018 through February 20, 2019. Information will be presented on such topics as the Understanding Special Education for Kids in Child Care, Including All Children, and What to do When a Child Screens Positive for Development Delays. Register and see the schedule below.
Disability & Sexuality Part 3: Abuse Prevention & Empowerment
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Time: 12:00-1:00pm EST

For a variety of reasons, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are especially vulnerable to abuse. It can be hard to recognize abuse as well as disclose a history of abuse if we do not know what abuse is. In this webinar attendees will learn about abuse and strategies to communicate about abuse and sources of support with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
Integrated Care for Kids (InCK): Advancing Behavioral Health Best Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2018 Time: 3:00-4:00pm EST

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation invites states, localities, and their partners to join us for a webinar to learn more about the InCK Model and its potential to advance child behavioral health best practices and values-based system approaches within Medicaid delivery systems.
NIMH Twitter Chat: Depression
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2018 Time: 11:00-12:00pm EDT

In recognition of National Depression Screening Day, NIMH is hosting a Twitter chat on depression, a common but serious mood disorder. This chat will cover the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for depression. Two experts, Dr. Lawrence Park and Dr. Bashkim Kadriu , will be available to answer questions live on Twitter.
SOC Expansion Leadership Learning Community: SOAR for Children
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Time: 11:30-1:00p.m. EDT

SOAR is a successful national program, funded by SAMHSA, originally designed to increase access for adults to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This month’s learning community will introduce the new SOAR Child Curriculum, an online course designed by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center to increase access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children and youth under the age of 18 with disabling conditions who experience or are at risk of homelessness.
Paths to Employment: How Families Can Help
Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Parents will learn about career planning options for in-school and out-of-school youth with disabilities, and where they can find help to launch their youth on the path to employment.
ABLE to Save - ABLE Accounts, a New Savings Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Learn how new ABLE Accounts allow families to save up to $15,000 per year for their child without affecting their eligibility for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Medicaid. Guest speakers from the ABLE National Resource Center and the State of Minnesota ABLE Plan will discuss eligibility requirements, qualified expenses, annual and lifetime savings limits, and the relationship of ABLE Accounts to special needs trusts.
Resources
From The Youth Mental Health Project
The Youth Mental Health Project offers a variety of free materials on their website. Take a look at the two guides linked below and visit their website for additional resources.

From the National Association of Developmental Disabilities

NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Find the valuable resources they offer here .
From Active Minds
Active Minds offers education, research and advocacy with a focus on students and young adults ages 14–25. They support a network of more than 450 campus-based chapters at high schools and colleges across the United States. Learn more about their programs here .
From Mental Health of America
MHA’s 2018 The State of Mental Health in America report provides key findings for our nation overall as well as rankings by state regarding the prevalence of mental illness and access to care measures. View the report and your state's ranking for 2018.