September is National Suicide Awareness Month

Across the United States, there is an ongoing, rising concern for mental illness and the effects it has on individuals, families, and communities. September is National Suicide Awareness Month – providing an opportunity for raising awareness about Suicide and Mental Illness.

Suicide is the 9^th leading cause of death in SD. It is the leading cause among ages 10 to 19 and the second leading cause of death in individuals ages 20 – 39 years. SD suicide rates have increased by 95% in the last 20 years. We have the 19th highest suicide rate in the nation.

As the Parent Training and Information Center and Family to Family Center for South Dakota, South Dakota Parent Connection works with many families whose child is experiencing challenging behaviors at home and school because of co-occurring developmental disability and mental health concerns.

We have information and resources that can help you advocate for and work with professionals, such as school personnel. Our guide, When Behavior is a Concern Is just one of several resources about social emotional development and competence you may find helpful.

If you are a parent or have a family member who is struggling with a child, adolescent or young adult with challenging behaviors, reach out to South Dakota Parent Connection at sdparent.org or (800) 640.4553.

VIRTUAL SIBSHOPS 2022 - REGISTER TODAY!

A FREE program designed for brothers and sisters ages 6 to 12 of children with special needs to meet other siblings in a safe space and build friendships, have fun and share feelings with others.

Held the second Tuesday of the month, each will have a special theme. Siblings are encouraged to attend any or all of the sessions, held from 6:30-7:30pm CT / 5:30- 6:30pm MT.

October 11 - Halloween
November 8 - Thanksgiving
December 13 - Winter

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR YOU!

How to Handle School Refusal; Rechazo a la escuela: Cómo ayudar a su hijo a superarlo When students flat-out refuse to go to school, it can be stressful for both parents and teachers. Different kids resist or refuse school in different ways. Here are tips for parents, caregivers, and educators to manage school refusal, based on what behavior they're seeing (e.g., crying or tantrums, won't get dressed, won't get on the bus or in the car).

A Deeper Look at Anxiety in Kids, Child Mind Institute What are the different kinds of anxiety? How anxiety leads to problem behavior. What is separation anxiety? Selective mutism. Social anxiety. Agoraphobia in children.

Good After-School Habits, Where will your child do homework? When? How should they start, and manage breaks? Decide on these two Ws and an H to create a solid, sustainable after-school routine.

Managing Middle School, After elementary school, students must suddenly juggle multiple teachers, classrooms, & assignments. Here's how parents can assist.

STATEWIDE SURVEY

Are you parenting a child age 3 or younger? Please take the statewide survey and share with others you know!

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment wants to hear from parents, grandparents, foster parents, or other adults raising infants or toddlers up to 3 years-old to understand how South Dakota families access various supports and services. The survey should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete and your responses will be kept anonymous. You can access the survey at the link below. We look forward to hearing from you! Click to access the survey.

NAMI SOUTH DAKOTA 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Aberdeen, SD | Best Western Ramkota Hotel

Thursday, September 22 & Friday, September 23

Scholarships may be available, email snelson@namisouthdakota.org for more information.

STUDY FOR FAMILIES WHO EXPERIENCED DISABILITY-BASED DISCRIMINATION

Do you have a child who has faced discrimination related to their disability in a healthcare setting? Participating in this study will provide valuable information to help improve the experience of patients with disabilities and their families in the healthcare system.

Participants will receive $100 for their time and valuable perspective. Learn more HERE.

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This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $93,175; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.