|
|
|
|
E-newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 6 |
 August 14 , 2012
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
From the Executive Director
Every four years, the summer Olympics take center stage and I find myself mesmerized, watching the skilled and accomplished athletes - many in their teens. I sometimes ask myself what it takes to raise a child to become an Olympic champion and wonder if I could have done it. Let's see...
- Long hours - we're sometimes up all night worrying about our kids!
- Dedication and persistence - we never give up on our kids!
- Financial commitment - lots of bills for treatment and meds!
- Cheering them on - for sure!
I think we all qualify - now for the royalties!
Let me know if you have additional thoughts on being an Olympic mom or dad of a child with mental health/behavioral needs.
Hope your summer included time for yourself to rejuvenate.
- Jane A. Walker, Executive Director
jwalker@mdcoalition.org |
|
|
Lots of "News"
- New Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools
July 1 ushered in a new era in Maryland with the appointment of a new Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools, Dr. Lillian Lowery. She moved to Maryland from Delaware, where she served as Secretary of Education since January 2009. Prior to her work in Delaware, Dr. Lowery began her career as an English teacher in Virginia and later became Assistant Superintendent for Fairfax County Schools. We welcome Dr. Lowery to Maryland and look forward to working with her to improve school success for children with mental health and behavioral needs.
- New Family Resource Kits Available
The Children's Mental Health Matters! campaign recently released a Family Resource Kit, which includes ten fact sheets on common behaviors and diagnoses that affect children and teens, along with links to in-depth information available online. Also included are suggestions about when and where to find professional help if you suspect your child has a mental health disorder. The kit can be downloaded here. Additional print copies can be ordered by contacting MHAMD at 410.235.1178 or MCF at 410.730.8267.
- New Bullying Resources from MHAMD
Links to resources on bullying, including a new fact sheet for families on the topic, can be found at www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org. Click on the tab "Bullying Resources" on the left-hand side of the page.
- New Family & Parent Page on US Department of Education Website
There is now a Family & Parent page on the www.ed.gov website. Look on the right-hand side of the page and press the Parents & Families button to access the page. Find links to resources, publications, policies, and information on parent and family engagement in education.
Coming Home: Supporting Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a new publication describing the challenges facing military personnel, veterans, and their families, the mental health and substance abuse support that is available to them from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and civilian health systems, and the need to expand family-centered services. Inventory# SMA12-4677DV
Understanding Bullying Policies in Schools
Center for School Mental Health (CSMH) has developed a new policy brief offers an overview of local, state, and national legislation and discusses key elements of successful anti-bullying laws.
back to top |
|
AACAP Resources for Dealing with Violence in the News
One can barely watch the news without hearing about some tragedy that has occurred involving a single person killing others going about their everyday life at the store, the movies, or at a place of worship. It is difficult to fathom this ourselves, let alone discuss these incidents with our children when they hear about them. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has developed resources for helping children deal with violence, including how to talk with children about regional and national news events, such as recent mass shootings. See these links: Tips for Talking to Children about the Aurora Shooting and Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals.
back to top |
|
Even when our children are very young, we can't help thinking about what happens to them when we are gone. Families face unique challenges in planning for their children with special needs. We want to be sure to provide for the wellbeing of our children after we are gone, however, it takes careful planning and knowledge of trusts and estates to ensure that we do not inadvertently leave assets for our children that could ultimately disqualify them for services and support.
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Instituteare hosting two evening information session for families called, "FUTURES & ESTATE PLANNING."
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Easton Library (Main Location), 100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601
Speaker: Victoria Sulerzyski, Associate, Ober|Kaler
RSVP: MasonA@kennedykrieger.org
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Speaker: Victoria Sulerzyski, Associate, Ober|Kaler
RSVP: MasonA@kennedykrieger.org
Participants will leave with a copy of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council's new publication, Planning Now, a futures and estate planning guide for families of children and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute's futures and estate planning brochure.
For more information or to request special accommodations at one of the information sessions, please call the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute at 443.923.9555 or visit our websites:
www.md-council.org
www.mcdd.kennedykrieger.org
back to top |
|
Health Care Assistance Grants
The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child's health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan.
Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.
To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website.
|
Job Opportunities from Youth MOVE National
Youth MOVE National is seeking qualified candidates to fill the following three positions for the National Office: Chief Executive Officer, Director of Resource Development, and Director of Membership Development. All positions are part-time (20 hours per week). They are home-based positions, and candidates should possess the ability to work remotely. Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to marvincalexander@gmail.com by August 13th. Full job announcements can be found online at: http://www.youthmovenational.org/job-announcement#attachments.
.
back to top |
|
Upcoming Events
Back to School Survival Tips - August 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Family Resource Academy 2012-2013.The Baltimore County Family Navigator and Catholic Charities Child and Family Services are sponsoring a series of FREE interactive workshops for family members who support and care for children with intensive behavioral health needs. The first workshop will feature homework strategies, quick and nutritious meals, and organizational tips. Free school supplies and a light dinner will be provided. Childcare will be provided with pre-registration for children ages 3-14. St. Clement's Rectory, 2700 Washington Ave. Lansdowne 21227. Register by calling 410.252.4700 x 265 or email FamilyNavigator@cc-md.org. Find the full schedule of workshops and more information at www.Family-Navigator.org.
Parent Leadership Training-October 2012-March 2013, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Space is limited-application deadline is Aug. 15th. The Parents' Place of Maryland is sponsoring a leadership training program for families of children with disabilities in Baltimore. Topics to be covered include special education, IEPs, least restrictive environment, modifications and accommodations, dispute resolution, discipline and developing leadership skills. Six classes include lunch and all materials. For more information, contact Kelly Meissner at Kelly@ppmd.org or 410.768.9100. Apply online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/leaders1. Abilities Network, 8503 LaSalle Road, Towson.
Working with Children and Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorders-August 20, 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Washington County Public Schools and Brook Lane Health Services are offering a 4-hour seminar to educators and mental health professionals. Learning objectives include identifying risk factors, discussing assessment tools and evidence-based treatment options, and developing positive reinforcement techniques for disruptive behaviors. Smithburg High School Auditorium, 66 North Main Street, Smithburg 21783. Fee is $59. Download registration form here. Contact Debbie Staley at 301.733.0331 x189 or Deborah.staley@brooklane.org for more information.
High Noon WebCafe - Fall Schedule
September 17, Noon-1 p.m. Parent-Teen Communication - Bill Albert, Chief Program Officer, National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy
October 4, Noon - 1 p.m. Irritability, Pediatric Disorder & Server Mood Dysregulation - Kenneth E. Towbin, MD, Chief of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMH, and Ellen Leibenluft, MD, Senior Investigator & Chief of Section on Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, NIMH.
October 25, Noon - 1 p.m. Understanding the Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD) - Carmen Lopez-Arvizu, Medical Director, FASD Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute.
32nd Annual MARFY Conference-Oct. 3-5. Systems Redesign: Private Providers as Change Agents in the System of Care. Topicsinclude reform of child welfare, juvenile justice and children's mental health systems at the national and state levels. Hunt Valley Marriott. Contact Rene Bazel at 410.312.3161 x102 for more information. www.marfy.org.
MRA/DORS Training Conference-Oct. 10-11. For more information on the conference and how to register, contact John Stem at jstem@dors.state.md.us or 410.554.9536. Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel, 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City.
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference with Pete Wright, Esq. -October 18, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This one-day program will focus on four areas: Special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements; SMART IEPs; and an introduction to tactics and strategies for effective advocacy. Sponsored by the Parents' Place of Maryland. The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring 20910. Fees range from $100-$150. Register online at http://www.ppmd2.org/Register.html. Contact
Suzie Shannon at. 410.768.9100 x 108 or suzie@ppmd.org for more information.
14th Annual Respite Awareness Day Conference-October 24, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Revitalizing Respite. Sponsored by the Maryland Respite Care Coalition. The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute (near BWI airport) 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights 21090. $60 for caregivers and $125 for professionals. Visit http://respitecoalition.org/ for more information and to register.
12th Annual Autism Conference-October 25-26. Understanding Autism: Finding Hope, Possibilities, and Solutions.Kennedy Krieger Institute's annual conference for educators, professionals, researchers, families and clinicians covers early identification and intervention, education, employment, communication, social skills, and evidence-based interventions across the lifespan. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Timonium 21093. Register here.
NAMI Maryland 2012 State Conference-October 26-27. Stronger Together: Partners for the Future. Annual conference will feature speakers Dr. Brian Hepburn, Executive Director of the Mental Hygiene Administration, and Charles J. Milligan, Jr. of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, Towson. CEUs for professionals and special rates for those who need financial assistance are available. Find registration information here.
2012 Maryland Transition Conference-November 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Transition Outcomes: From High School to Life Long Learning. Sponsored by the Governor's Interagency Transition Council for Youth with Disabilities. Comfort Inn & Conference Center, Bowie 20716. Contact Rachael Faulkner at rfaulkner@mdod.state.md.us or Sequaya Tasker at Sequaya.Tasker@maryland.gov for more information.
|
10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 119 | Columbia, MD 21044 | Phone: 410.730.8267 | Toll Free: 1.888.607.3637 | Fax: 410.730.8331 | E-mail: info@mdcoalition.org | Web: www.mdcoalition.org |  Like us on Facebook
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
