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March 27, 2024

The Ally: Partnering with Families
 

We are always talking about family-driven practice at Families as Allies. I'm so excited to share with you that the National Federation of Families and the National Technical Assistance Center for Family Support just introduced their online supportive training for practitioners, Partnering with Families in Behavioral Health, that helps make family-driven practice and family partnerships a practical reality. Please check it out and let us know what you think!

It's been hectic around here this week. We are currently applying for SAMHSA's Statewide Family Network grant. Grant applications never seem easy (or fun), but this grant has allowed family-run organizations like ours to do our fundamental work of supporting families and working for positive change for many years. You can learn what the grant requires here. Let me know if you have any suggestions for us as we plan and write or if you see ways we can improve our work.

The legislative session continues to move along. This week, we will update you on where the bills we are following are, provide more details about bills related to healthcare needs at schools, and update you on two of the civil commitment bills we've discussed before. We will discuss our list of bills we are following and any other legislative or policy issues that anyone wants to discuss on March 27 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT in our virtual Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion. Please check out our events calendar for more opportunities. 

I hope to see all of you soon!

Joy Hogge signature

NEWS
Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental or Substance Use Disorders - Link to PDF
 
We're watching two bills about children's health care at school, especially if either of these health issues is relevant to your child.
 
We recently gave legislators feedback about ways we believe they could update civil commitment bills under consideration.
 
We're excited to see the National Federation of Families and the National Family Support TA Center launch "Partnering with Families in Behavioral Health."

EVENTS
 
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and also opportunities to serve on decision-making committees.
 
We believe parents and caregivers are the experts when it comes to their own family and care for their children.
 
Family members may drop in to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations.
 
Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system.
 
The current 25-member Council includes people with disabilities, parents, family member advocates, and required governmental representatives.
 
The Department of Mental Health Board Committee meetings will be held before the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
 
This hour is open for any family member to drop in to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations.
 
Operation Shoestring On behalf of everyone at Operation Shoestring, they would like to invite you to their annual Spring Fling this April 18th! Come out and enjoy yourself as they [...]
 
The Families as Allies quarterly board meeting will be held in ZOOM and is open to anyone who wants to attend.
 
Walk MS unites the MS community in the largest gathering of its kind to raise funds and make a difference for everyone living with MS.

RESOURCES
 
 
Sponsorships now open - The 2024 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference will bring together people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, students, and professionals. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to share yourproducts or services with approximately 350 attendees.
 
In this episode, we speak with journalist Isabelle Taft about mental health laws in Mississippi.