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The Federation on the Move
April 2022 Newsletter
NFF News and Highlights
Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week
Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week (CMHAW), May 1st - 7th, will focus on the campaign's shift this year from awareness to acceptance, which aims to inspire new thinking and actions that better support the mental health of children and youth - and their families. We recently published a new infographic that illustrates the importance of the new campaign for acceptance. Awareness is not enough. It's time to step into action!

We invite parents, caregivers, youth and family members to share their thoughts on two key questions related to this year's CMHAW campaign. Learn more and complete the very brief, anonymous survey by Friday, April 8th. We plan to use the survey responses to create content that represents #familyvoice during Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week.
The 2022 Annual Conference
We're excited to host this year's conference - "Families Can't Wait: Providing Essential Support for Today's Challenges and Tomorrow's Wellbeing" - in Oklahoma City, OK on November 3rd - 5th, 2022.

The call for proposals is open until Friday, April 29th! We are looking for 90-minute workshop proposals and a select number of 60-minute and 3-hour intensive workshop proposals. New this year, we are also seeking 30-minute TED Talk-style presentations. Learn more and submit your proposal here.

Hotel reservations can be made here. Our room block guarantees a reduced rate, and space is limited. We recommend making your reservations early. Look for registration details for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors to be announced soon!
We're Hiring!
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, led by the NFF, is hiring a full-time, virtual Content Specialist. Applications will be accepted until April 15th. Please share the position description and application instructions linked below with individuals who may be interested.
April is Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month (AAM) and World Autism Month take place every April, and April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. This year, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its fourth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. Learn more and find information and resources to spread awareness, promote inclusion, and practice acceptance here.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement strategies that strengthen and support families. Get the 2021/22 Prevention Resource Guide, centered on protective factors, here.
NFSTAC News and Highlights
Get the Support You Need
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC) invites you to submit requests for technical assistance. NFSTAC is driven by the needs of families and the workforce that supports families. NFSTAC works for you.

NFSTAC provides education, training, and family support resources tailored specifically to families, the family peer workforce, communities, healthcare systems, clinicians and educators. Our network of partners and subject matter experts will work with you to help address your needs. Our technical assistance is always free and we're ready to assist you.
Upcoming Events
Family Connections - Thursday, April 7th
  • Title: Wrapping Around Our Children with Complex Needs
  • Learn more and register here.

Monthly Webinar - Wednesday, April 20th
  • Title: Breaking the Cycle: Families Supporting Youth and Young Adults in the Justice System
  • Learn more and register here.

Office Hour for Executive Directors & Family Leaders - Thursday, April 28th
  • Title: Developing Organization Policies that Work for Today and Beyond: A Conversation with Industry Leaders 
  • Learn more and register here.
Ask the Expert
Sandy Bumpus
Executive Director, Oregon Family Support Network

What does mental health acceptance (vs. awareness) mean to me?
Legislative and Advocacy Updates
Parity Takes a Blow - Wit v. United Behavioral Health (UBH) is Overturned
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ruling in the Wit v. United Behavioral Health (UBH). The trial court had determined that UBH was liable for making medically necessary determinations for mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) services in a manner that was inconsistent with generally accepted standards of MH/SUD care. As a result, the trial court ordered UBH to use criteria consistent with generally accepted standards of MH/SUD care, including criteria from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. This was the first ruling holding a major insurer accountable. The appeals court ruling overturns that decision.
Keeping Up with Legislation
It is a very active time legislatively at both the state and national levels with new bills being introduced almost daily. A report on legislation that you look at today will be outdated tomorrow. So how can you keep up? For the latest news, follow the National Federation of Families Legislative and Advocacy Facebook page. Following us there is the best way to stay current on what is happening.
Event Highlights
Below is a list of upcoming webinars and events that may be of interest to parents/caregivers, families and those who support them. Click the title of any event to learn more and/or to register.
Resource Highlights
We encourage you to explore the resources below for caregivers, youth and young adults, the family peer support workforce and mental health and substance use professionals. Have a resource you'd like to share? Feel free to email us for consideration in future newsletters.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.
On July 16, 2022, the U.S. will transition to using the 988-dialing code to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline.
America's School Mental Health Report Card

Last month, the Hopeful Futures Campaign, a coalition of 17 leading national organizations, released American's School Mental Health Report Card. The report examines state policies that support school mental health and describes actions each state has taken in key policy areas to promote student mental health. The report cards provide an easy-to-understand snapshot of school mental health policies in each state and offers tangible recommendations to better support our nation's youth.
Mental Health Month Toolkit

Mental Health America (MHA) is proud to announce that its 2022 Mental Health Month Toolkit is now available. They invite individuals and organizations to help spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the toolkit's materials and hosting awareness activities. MHA's 2022 Mental Health Month Toolkit theme is Back to Basics. A Spanish version of the toolkit will be published later this month.
Mental Health Action Day

Mental Health Action Day (May 19th) lifts the conversation from awareness to action and encourages partners to share evidence-based tools that can help people take their first steps toward deeper connection. The Day calls for coordinated action among media brands, local and national nonprofit organizations, technology companies, influential individuals and anyone who understands the importance of mental health — to rally together in support of taking the first step to get help. Learn more and register to join here.
The Social Justice Leadership Academy (SJLA) Workbook

To advance health equity, we must eliminate health disparities among those living with or at risk of mental health and/or substance use challenges. The Social Justice Leadership Academy (SJLA) workbook, from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, helps you and your organization embed social justice and equity in mental health and substance use treatment services by focusing on the necessary core competencies to eliminate health disparities.