NEWS YOU CAN USE
Information related to managed care, behavioral health, Medicare, sustainability, and other administrative issues.
Children’s Bureau Announces 2007 Discretionary Grant Awards and Awardees
The Children’s Bureau has announced its 2007 Discretionary Grant Awards and Awardees.
New Web site: The School Mental Health Connection
The School Mental Health Connection is designed for anyone who is interested in school mental health. Whether a clinician, educator, administrator, parent/caregiver, family member, or student, this user-friendly site has something for everyone. The resources at School Mental Health Connection emphasize practical information and skills based on current research, including prominent evidence-based practices, as well as lessons learned from local, State, and national initiatives. The content of the site evolves based on feedback from users about the resources that are most needed.
» Visit the School Mental Health Connection Web site.
Senate Approves Children’s Health Bill
On November 1, 2007 The U.S. Senate approved legislation that would provide health insurance to about 10 million children in low-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid. The bill would increase the program’s funding from $25 billion to $60 billion over five years, using increased taxes on tobacco products to pay for it.
» Read the full article.
Juvenile Justice in the National Spotlight
Over the past couple of weeks, the New York Times has published a series of editorials, letters, and articles related to juvenile justice matters around the country. From examining problems juvenile justice systems are facing to spotlighting innovative practices in juvenile corrections, these articles help shed light on the current state of juvenile justice and the lives of the youth involved in the system nationwide. The articles are linked below (Free registration with the New York Times may be required).
- The Right Model for Juvenile Justice
- Starting Over in Texas
- Letters: Start With the Youth
- Tough Young-Offender Law Is Set Back in Rhode Island
- Lifers as Teenagers, Now Seeking Second Chance
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development Now Online
The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development is available free of charge and covers 33 topics related to the psychosocial development of the child, from conception to the age of five, and presents the most up-to-date scientific knowledge. Topics covered include such things as aggression, attachment, crying behavior, eating behavior, parenting skills, peer relationships and resiliency.
» Access the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
New American Academy of Pediatrics Reports Help Pediatricians Identify and Manage Autism Earlier
On Monday, October 29, the American Academy of Pediatrics released two new clinical reports that will help pediatricians recognize autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) earlier and work with families to implement effective interventions, which will ultimately improve the lives of children with ASDs and their families. The reports are Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Academy recommends beginning the evaluation process on all children at the age of 6 months and continue it to age 18 months. Early identification and intervention can assist families and health professional to achieve improved outcomes.
» Learn more about the reports.
SAMHSA Awards $5.4 Million to Five Mental Health Technical Assistance Centers
SAMHSA has awarded $5.4 million in grant awards to five mental health consumer and consumer-supporter technical assistance centers for use in teaching skills to enhance consumer/peer-run programs. This grant program is aimed at strengthening consumer organizations and leadership, developing skills, expanding consumer participation in policy development, and promoting the concept of recovery.
» Learn more about the grant awards.
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
In July 2007 the U.S. House and Senate passed a resolution declaring November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. For more information about the resolution and to find out what you can do in your community to support homeless youth, check out the following web sites: