October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Help Raise Awareness and Turn the State Purple! 

Go purple! Each year in New York State, our police receive over 400,000 calls to help victims of domestic violence, over 16,000 individuals stay in our emergency shelters- most of them children - and more than 200,000 orders of protection are issued. Now, we're inviting you to join us and the rest of the state to "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence"!  50 counties participated last year - let's lead by example.  The majority of domestic violence is not reported to authorities - engaging the public is an essential part of reducing the violence.

For the fourth year we are going to raise awareness by turning the State purple during the month of October. Buildings, bridges, and landmarks will be illuminated in purple for the third year. Agency domestic violence liaisons will receive information on this initiative and on October 19th , state workers - and all New Yorkers - will show their support by wearing purple. If your agency manages facilities, monuments, or other public spaces, consider lighting them in purple - OPDV can tell you how at no or low cost. Help them make 2011 bigger than ever. Show off your purple and potentially save a life.  

You can see more creative ideas on how to go purple here. When friends, colleagues, and families of victims of domestic violence see these activities, they'll know that you care about this important issue. They'll know they're not alone. They'll be reminded to support those in trouble, and help them take advantage of the wide range of services available in New York.  

For more information, please contact OPDV's public information officer, Suzanne Cecala, at (518) 457-5744 or Suzanne.Cecala@opdv.state.ny.us.

Partners in Policymaking is a free program designed to teach people with disabilities and family members the power of advocacy to positively change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. Since its inception, Partners have worked to expand community opportunities and to hasten many fundamental changes in the nature of supports and services for people with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, civil rights, and community living. The Application for the Partners Class of 2012 is open until October 30th.  Partners is seeking a diverse group of dynamic Self-Advocates and family members to join.

Click Here for Application.

Working Effectively with Police When Youth are in Mental Health Crisis 

A Real 'Working' Draft

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has given the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health permission to release this draft version of a guide the Federation produced for them: "How to Work Effectively with Police When Youth are in Mental Health Crisis". This issue continues to be a concern of the National Federation and more broadly. We hope this document will be useful.

New York Applauds National Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement Week

The Administration for Children and Families' Office of Head Start recognizes the importance that families play in preparing children for school and academic success. Click the following links for more information on the Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework  AND learn more about the Office of Head Start AND read the press release.

New York's Early Childhood learning community recognizes The Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework promoting family engagement and school readiness, from prenatal to age 8. Learn more and find out more about what's happening in the broader sphere of New York's Early Childhood activities by visiting the Council on Children and Families' Early Childhood website and  www.earlychildhood.org.   

A Bit More on Back to School 

Federal Web Sites Offer Back to School Resources 

We are pleased that readers requested even more back-to-school information, despite already starting the academic year. Our thanks to the Federal Government's JuvJust, and OJJDP News @ a Glance, for the great information ...

The Department of Transportation is highlighting its Safe Routes to School program, an initiative that encourages children to walk or bicycle to school, and to make sure that the routes they take are safe and appealing. If children walk or bicycle to school, they will get exercise, reduce air pollution, lower fuel consumption, and reduce traffic. More than 10,000 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia participate in this program. For more information, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School's Web site.  

In addition, the U.S. government's official Web portal,  USA.gov, has created a Back to School Web page that offers tips and resources for parents and educators who need to prepare for the school year. The site features a variety of topics, including keeping up with immunizations, financial assistance for families, homework help for students, lunch planning, and school supply shopping.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare issued a magazine devoted entirely to 'trauma-informed behavioral healthcare' to direct national attention to trauma's pervasiveness and impact on individuals' recovery from mental illnesses and addictions.

Click here to view a full copy of National Council Magazine "Breaking the Silence: Trauma-informed Behavioral Healthcare".