News from MD Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health

E-newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 9

December 21, 2012

Greetings!

This holiday season, our hearts are heavy in light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. As parents, we can't imagine the shock and grief these 26 families must be experiencing at the loss of a child or loved one, especially under such horrific circumstances. We are at a loss to comprehend how or why this happened.

Each day we are learning more about the young perpetrator who was described as withdrawn and a loner. This description strikes a chord with many of our families who would use these terms to describe their own child. Many families also tell us they have been threatened by their child and fear for their own safety. In both instances, the system's response to families' pleas for help is inadequate. Parents are left to their own devices to find help - and sadly often they don't.

While Maryland has one of the best children's mental health systems in the country, it is underfunded and continues to pose barriers to accessing intensive, effective treatment for our children.

In the name of the children and caring adults who lost their lives in Newtown, let us stand up and make our voices heard that more funding is needed for mental health services!

* Mental health services must be available for every child in every school!

* Crisis services must be available in every community!

* Effective support services must be available for transition-age youth and their families!

Join us on January 29 in Annapolis to make your voice heard.

May 2012 be the beginning of a better tomorrow for you and your family.

Mutlu Bayramlar (Turkish)

Ii holide eximnandi (South African Xhose)

Beannachtaí na Féile (Gaelic)
Hau'oli Lanui (Hawaiian)

Selamat Hari Raya (Indonesian)
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Holidays!

- Jane A. Walker, Executive Director

jwalker@mdcoalition.org

Resources for Talking with Children

about Traumatic Events

The Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland has posted a list of resources here for dealing with traumatic events such as the tragic school shooting that recently occurred.

You will find a wealth of information on this link from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), the American Psychological Association (APA), and several other national organizations about how to talk to children following traumatic events and how to help them heal.

More tips for parents and caregivers can be found here from the New Jersey Traumatic Loss Coalition.

For those who need help right now, SAMHSA has set up a Disaster Distress Helpline to offer immediate crisis counseling in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

Preventing a Rush to Judgment

about Violence and Mental Illness

In their hurry to provide information, many media outlets covering the Sandy Hook tragedy have reported unconfirmed statements about the alleged shooter having Asperger's syndrome. The Autism Society posted a statement on its website, stating that there is no connection between autism and planned violence.

NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) has cautioned against public speculation regarding the alleged shooter's mental state. On December 14^th, NAMI issued this statement which includes the following: "At this time, there is no indication that mental illness was a factor in the tragedy. It is important to not make assumptions or speculate in such cases. The overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small."

MCF to Participate in MPT's Live Call-In Special
on Self-Injury in Teens

As part of "Your Health 2013," MPT (Maryland Public Television) is planning to air a special presentation of "The Hurting: Cutting for Relief," an episode from the teen-family awareness series MAPLE AVE, on January 16, 2013, from 8:00pm-9:00pm. Host Yolanda Vazquez will interview local clinicians and experts on the issue of self-injury in teens. Ann Geddes, TAY Specialist and Director of Public Policy at MCF, will be interviewed about her experience as the parent of a child who struggled with self-injury. During the broadcast, viewers may call a toll-free number to get advice and referrals to self-injury help and resources in their area. Mark your calendars!

MPT to Air Live Call-in Special on Self-Injury in Teens

As part of "Your Health 2013," Maryland Public Television (MPT) is planning to air a special presentation of "The Hurting: Cutting for Relief," an episode from the teen-family awareness series MAPLE AVE, on January 16, 2013, from 8:00pm-9:00pm. Host Yolanda Vazquez will interview local clinicians and experts on the issue of self-injury in teens. During the broadcast, viewers may call a toll-free number to get advice and referrals to self-injury help and resources in their area. Mark your calendars!

MCF's Annual Day in Annapolis

MCF's Annual Day in Annapolis will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the Miller Senate Building, Rooms West 1 and 2, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis. It's a day to learn about important legislation and budget news in Annapolis and to meet with your legislators. It's always a fun and memorable experience.

Schedule: Registration and breakfast from 8:45- 9:15am, followed by a program from 9:15 - 10:30am. Families meet with legislators from 10:30 - NOON, then gather for a mental health rally on Lawyer's Mall with other mental health advocacy groups (including the Mental Health Association, NAMI, Maryland Disability Law Center, On Our Own, and Community Behavioral Health Providers). Please call MCF at 410.730.8267 to register.

SAMHSA Releases Report on Prevalence of Mental Illness among U.S. Adults and Youth

According to the 2011 Mental Health Findings Report released by SAMHSA, 1 in 5 Americans aged 18 or older (45.6 million people) experienced a mental illness in the past year. The report also states that 2 million youth aged 12 to 17 (8.2 percent of this population) had experienced a major depressive episode in the past year. Alarmingly, those young people who experienced a major depressive episode in the past year had more than twice the rate of illicit drug use in the same year (36%) as young people who had not experienced a major depressive episode (17.4%). The complete survey results are available here.

infoAnneArundel Recently Launched

The Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, in collaboration with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, is pleased to announce the launch of infoAnneArundel, an up-to-date, user-friendly website containing an inventory of local human services in Anne Arundel County. The primary objectives of infoAnneArundel are to link residents with needed resources and services and to support Community Needs Assessments by analyzing the types and distribution of resources to better quantify gaps in services and plan for resource allocation. Please visit www.infoannearundel.org to learn more about becoming a member and to find local resources.

Upcoming Events

High Noon WebCafe

Surviving the Stress of Parenting- January 22, Noon - 1 p.m. Erica Moltz, MA, NCC, Clinical Director, Adoptions Together.

Parenting a child with challenging behaviors can leave many parents feeling helpless, ineffective, and overwhelmed. This webinar is designed to help parents and caregivers manage the stress that they face each day in more healthy and appropriate ways.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders- Date TBA.Stuart White, PhD, National Institute of Mental Health

This webinar will include a review of current research on the development of behavior problems, evidence-based approaches currently in use, classroom- and community-based interventions, and strategies to support children and families.

Pre-registration is required. Visit umbssw.webex.com to register. All webinars open for registration will be listed.

CHADD Speaker Series: Monitoring Your Child's IEP-January 22, 7:00-8:45 p.m. Jennifer Engel Fisher, MA. Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City 21042. Free to CHADD Members, $5 contribution requested from non-members. See www.chadd-mc.org for more information.

Maryland Health Leaders Training. Dates: January 26, February 16, March 16, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Parents' Place of Maryland, 801 Cromwell Park Drive, Ste. 103, Glen Burnie 21061. Apply now for this exciting training program that will help you increase communication and leadership skills to improve care for children with special health care needs and disabilities. Contact Cathy.Health.Leaders@gmail.com for more information.

NAMI Family to Family Education Course. Next course begins Wednesday, January 30, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. Baltimore 21212. Free 12-week course for close relatives of individuals with mental illness. Topics include communication skills, coping techniques, brain biology, medications, advocacy and more, all taught by other family members. Call 410.435.2600 to register. Sponsored by NAMI - Metropolitan Baltimore.

MCF Family Leadership Institute 2013

Save the Date!

6 Weekends:

February 22, 23

March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16

April 12, 13, 19, 20

Homewood Suites, Columbia, MD

A valuable, free opportunity for parents and caregivers of children with behavioral challenges to learn about leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Contact Carol Allenza at 410.730.8267 for more information.

Family Resource Academy 2012-2012:

Behavioral Toolbox - March 2, 9-12:30 p.m.
Educational Advocacy - March 16, 9-12:30 p.m.

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. St. Vincent's Villa, 2300 Dulaney Valley Rd., Timonium 20193. Register by calling 410.252.4700 x 265 or email FamilyNavigator@cc-md.org.

Support Groups

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Groups. For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call 410.435.2600 for more information. Groups are held:

Every Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m. at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore 21208, and
Every Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. at Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore 21212.

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