Families as Allies

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2023-02-16 12:00, 2023-03-16 12:00 (America/Chicago)
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
Register here >>

The Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability (ID/DD) Waiver (A Parents Journey)
2023-02-17 15:00 - 16:00
Arc of Northeast Mississippi
Arc of Northeast Mississippi hosts a discussion on the ID/DD (Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability) Waiver. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into the current state of the waiver and be a part of the conversation on the changes needed to improve it.
Natalie Gunnells, the loving mother of Patrick (diagnosed with severe Autism), has not received adequate services for her son and saw that change was needed. Natalie has been a strong advocate for changes needed in the system and is advocating for waiver changes that would benefit not only her son Patrick but many.
Join in and listen to her journey, her progress, and her recommendations in an upcoming proposal. Natalie will also give a quick recap of the meeting she attended on February 10th at the Department of Rehabilitation Services in Madison MS. This was a public meeting and Natalie provided MDRS with concerns during public comments in the meeting in hopes that it will be considered while considering proposals to be incorporated into the next ID/DD waiver program.
All written proposals for ID/DD Waiver changes must be submitted by February 24th so this meeting will definitely be insightful.
All Proposals are due on or before Feb 24th! There isn’t much time left!

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2023-02-21 10:00
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee (MAAC) was created by House Bill 11252 (2011 Regular Session) as the Legislature recognized an urgent need for strategies on how to best identify, treat, educate, accommodate and employ people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and assist their families. The MAAC’s mission is “to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with ASD to maximize their potential productivity within the workforce … and to develop an annual plan” outlining these strategies. The MAAC is tasked with writing a report to the legislature outlining any roadblocks to creating meaningful progress in the areas of mental health, education, medical and employment for people with ASD and their families.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 North Lamar Street Robert E. Lee Bldg.
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Pamela Harkins
6013595777
pamela.harkins@dmh.ms.gov

You’re Getting Warmer: How Using a System of Care Self-Assessment Can Improve Mental Health Outcomes for Your State or Community
2023-02-21 11:00
The National Training and Technical Assistance Center
This three-part webinar series will provide an overview of the System of Care Self-Assessment Tool and demonstrate how it can be used to improve outcomes for children and families. Developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services over the past five years, this tool is now publicly available and can be adapted for use by any state, county, or tribe. Attendees will learn how the tool can be used to engage cross-sector partners, youth, parents, and caregivers in System of Care planning efforts. Key elements of successful implementation, state-level considerations, and anticipated outcomes will also be explored.
Register here >>

SESSION TOPICS
Session 3: Mar. 21, 2023 – This session will focus on implementing the SOC Self-Assessment in Tribal communities. Topics covered will include best practices for engaging tribal members in the assessment and action planning process and state- and local-level considerations for supporting Tribal communities.
This webinar series will provide participants with the knowledge, resources, and strategies for successful implementation of an innovative System of Care self-assessment process in their state or community. Handouts and resources will be provided.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2023-02-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-03-22 12:00 - 13:00
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and also opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making committees. Leadership training graduates are strongly encouraged to attend, but the meetings are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about policy.
Register here >>

Family Exchange: Peer Networking for Family Leaders who Foster and Support Family Engagement
2023-02-22 14:00
National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health
Are you a family leader with lived experience as a primary caregiver of a child, youth or young adult with mental health or substance use need who is working in a role that fosters and supports family engagement in agency practice and policy decisions? Are you interested in connecting with other family leaders working in similar roles to expand and enhance your skills and knowledge? Whether you are new to your role or you have been in the family movement for many years, the Family Exchange is a peer networking group to share experiences, innovative and effective practices, skills and knowledge, solutions to barriers and challenges, and key information supporting your role as family leaders.
The group will be facilitated by experienced family leaders from the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA) who will foster peer connections, access to resources and technical assistance, and support family leaders to further family engagement within their agency, community or state. The group will meet monthly at 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm ET on the last Wednesday of every month.
Register here>>

Disability Awareness Day
2023-03-02 08:00 - 12:00
Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol gives people with disabilities and advocates a chance to talk with decision-makers who can preserve or expand services that make a critical difference in the lives of Mississippians with disabilities. Each year approximately 25 organizations participate in this event hosted annually by the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities. This year, our goal is to have participant visits to all state senators and representatives and/or their staff.
Disability Awareness Day not only helps to educate policymakers about the issues affecting our community but also shows solidarity within the disability community.

Invite others to come
Receive training prior to the event to learn how to advocate effectively, how to find your legislators and how to find and talk to them on the day of the event
Get information on proposed bills that will have an impact on people with disabilities and their families
Network and receive information
Visit your state senator and representative

There is no charge to attend but we ask that you register so we will have an idea of how many people to expect.
If you have questions, contact Brittany Greer at brittany@mspti.org or call (601) 969-0601
Schedule of Events
8:00am – 10:00am – Visits with Legislators
10:00am – Group photo in the Rotunda
10:30am – 12:00 noon – Visits with Legislators
Register here >>

BIDD Advisory Council
2023-03-02 10:00
Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Department of Mental Health and the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (BIDD) Advisory Council, comprised of service providers and advocacy organizations, are launching an awareness campaign in recognition of March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The campaign, titled “Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” is the first of its kind for Mississippi and highlights the connection between people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their communities.

Meeting location:
Mississippi State Capitol
Room 407
Jackson MS. 39201
Contact:
Kristin Merritte
601-359-6557
kristin.merritte@dmh.ms.gov

Notice details:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/2cd1d20b-cccd-47f8-9381-b996e2c4abc4
Join Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87885955090?pwd=[REDACTED]

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-03-02 12:00, 2023-04-06 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
Register here >>

2023 Virtual Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Capitol
2023-03-07 10:00 - 11:00
NAMI Mississippi

Due to venue restrictions, the Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Capitol will be held online Tuesday, March 7 from 10 – 11 a.m.
The program includes personal stories, speakers and other activities. Hosts include NAMI Mississippi, the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, Families As Allies, and the Association of Mississippi Peer Support Specialists (AMPSS).
You must RSVP to receive an email with the video conference link. For more information, call 601-899-9058 or email stateoffice@namims.org.

RSVP here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2023-03-08 12:00, 2023-04-12 12:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants, parent educators and parents who have completed parent peer support training are strongly encouraged to attend. We will discuss current trends in parent peer support, national standards for parent peer support, continuing education opportunities, local and state issues affecting parent peer support. The group also provides support and coaching for any specific issues participants share. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.
Register here >>

Words Matter Discussion Series
2023-03-09 08:00
National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health
The adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not true – words can hurt, but they can also heal. Please join us for the Words Matter series where we engage in open and authentic discussions about the impact of common terminology used in child-serving systems with those that are directly affected. Our goal is to illuminate how the terms we use can influence perception, approach, and practice, as well as explore alternative language to intentionally shift how we view and interact with youth, families, and each other.
DATES & SESSIONS
Mar 9: Terminology Used in Documentation
The words and terminology we use to document our work with young people and their families matter. How we frame a person’s strengths or challenges can impact them for years. Our discussants will provide real-life examples of the impact of documentation on their lives and offer suggestions for documenting their experiences better.
Apr 13: Trauma
We often talk about our services and organizations being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, but how does the word “trauma” land with young people and families who are most affected by it?
May 11: Minority
Increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is a priority for many of us. We also hear people use the word “minority” as a global term often referring to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Our discussants will provide feedback on what comes to mind when they hear “minority” and how that word impacts them.
Jun 8: Tolerance vs. Acceptance
What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance? How does each word affect young people living with mental health challenges and their families? Discussants will talk about the definition of these two words and whether they feel a difference in being accepted or tolerated.
Jul 13: Family
Families can be defined through connections of birth, chance, or choice, but is that what we mean when we talk about family engagement and family voice? How does a more or less inclusive definition of family impact those affected by the word?
Aug 10: Actions Matter
During this two-year discussion series on Words Matter, we have discussed a number of words and phrases and learned much about how some words hurt and some words help young people living with mental health challenges and their families. In today’s episode, attendees will share how the Words Matter series affected them and prompted them to move beyond words and to take action.
All sessions will be hosted simultaneously on Zoom and Facebook Live on the second Thursday of each month, January through August.
Register here >>

Peer Support Training
2023-03-20 08:30 - 2023-03-24 16:30
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent who is on the same journey?
Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!
What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/caregiver who is going through similar experiences.
Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

March 20-24, 2023-Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 17, 2023)
May 15-19, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 14, 2023)

Click here for the application packet.
Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Embrace, Encourage, and Engage: Family and Caregiver Access to Child and Youth Mental Health Resources
2023-03-22 17:00 - 18:15
Please join the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), and parent, youth, and community leaders for a virtual event designed to provide parents and caregivers with the tools and skills they need to support their children’s mental health.
This training will provide the following:
• Information on child mental health from parent/caregivers, youth advocates, and medical professionals.
• Concrete skills to recognize and respond to your child’s mental health needs.
• Access to mental health resources and guidance to help your children and family.
If you cannot attend, the training will be recorded and uploaded to ACF’s Behavioral Health webpage and resources will be shared during the event.
Register >>

Transition Planning for Parents: Where to Start?
2023-03-23 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Let’s talk about the importance of self-advocacy and what families/parents can do to help youth with planning for the future. The message of the session is simple: Access to information and resources will strengthen families/parents ability to participate in the process and improve the transition into the community for youth and young adults.
Register here >>

Special Education Process: What are the Steps?
2023-03-23 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
What are the steps from referral for testing to writing the IEP? Join us and learn what to expect and how to find resources.
Register here >>

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2023-03-24 13:00
Please join us in congratulating our newest class of parent peer support graduates. In addition to celebrating their accomplishments, this is a great opportunity to build the parent peer support community. We encourage friends and families of the graduates, as well as anyone who supports parent peer supporters or is interested in learning more about being a parent peer supporter, to attend.
Register here >>

Families as Allies Live
2023-03-29 12:00 - 13:00
Please join us for this quarterly update about our recent events and future plans. Families as Allies is about ALL of us, and we want to hear your ideas and feedback on how we can all move forward together on behalf of our children.

We’ll go over the Mississippi Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council and the survey about mental health services in Mississippi. Please use this link to take the survey https://www.faams.org/please-take-this-survey-about-mental-health-services-in-mississippi/.

Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/536822045186130
Or on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0tf2zOkEfg

Parent Peer Support Institute: Advancing PPS Practice, Program, and Policy
2023-04-04 - 2023-04-06
Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association
Join FREDLA and national experts who offer strategies, tools, and examples of innovative programs, funding approaches and how parent peer support is delivered throughout child welfare, education, juvenile justice, healthcare and mental health service systems. You will learn about best practices and innovations from the field, tools and resources for application in work with families, effective supervision, program management, and strategies to support and sustain this vital and growing workforce.
We’ve invited inspiring speakers to start us off each day. Concurrent workshops on a wide range of topics each day offer something for everyone. Each day ends with a “Conversation” with subject matter experts on current issues in supporting families of children, youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges.
APRIL 4-6, 2023
12 PM – 3 PM each day
REGISTER HERE>>
$200 REGISTRATION FEE
This premiere annual event is part of FREDLA’s support of the workforce that is the frontline to families and their communities, the agencies that employ them, and state agencies and healthcare management organizations that provide funding!
Questions about the event? Contact us at info@fredla.org and list “2023 PPS Institute” in the subject line.

Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities Meeting
2023-04-13 10:00
Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
MSCDD is a federally mandated body of advocates appointed by the Governor to promote a better quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and their communities. Improvement in quality of life is accomplished through initiatives that promote advocacy, capacity building, and systems change. The current 25-member Council includes people with disabilities, parents, family member advocates, and required governmental representatives from public and private organizations. Membership reflects the diversity of the state.
MSCDD is funded by the U.S. Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health serves as the Designated State Agency for administrative and fiscal support.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Table 100
100 Ridge Way
Flowood, MS. 39232
Contact Information
Toya Bolden
601-359-6238
toya.bolden@dmh.ms.gov

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2023-04-18 10:00
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee (MAAC) was created by House Bill 11252 (2011 Regular Session) as the Legislature recognized an urgent need for strategies on how to best identify, treat, educate, accommodate and employ people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and assist their families. The MAAC’s mission is “to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with ASD to maximize their potential productivity within the workforce … and to develop an annual plan” outlining these strategies. The MAAC is tasked with writing a report to the legislature outlining any roadblocks to creating meaningful progress in the areas of mental health, education, medical and employment for people with ASD and their families.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 North Lamar Street Robert E. Lee Bldg.
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Pamela Harkins
601-359-5777
pamela.harkins@dmh.ms.gov

MECIC Statewide Autism Screening Day
2023-04-18 10:00 - 18:00
Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center
MECIC is organizing a special statewide autism screening day on Tuesday, April 18, from 10 AM to 6 PM. This event is aimed at parents of children aged five years and under who suspect their child may have autism.
Parents can schedule appointments for this important event by calling 601-266-4745. MECIC’s autism screening day is a fantastic opportunity for parents to have their children screened and receive crucial information to address any concerns they may have about their child’s development.
Screenings are taking place at the Columbus-Lowndes, Public Library, North MS Child Care Resources and Referrals in Oxford, The R& R at 750 in Jackson, MECIC: R&R in Hattiesburg, MECIC: R&R in Gulfport and Pascagoula Public Library in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Part 1 of 2: Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence
2023-04-18 17:00 - 18:30
Pacific Southwest MHTTC
Join The Pacific Southwest MHTTC team for part 1 of this 2-part series, with the authors of the guide, Dr. Meagan O’Malley, Frances Marion, LCSW and Jessica Palacio, LCSW. This workshop will walk school and mental health providers through the guide and include exercises and common scenarios to support optimum use of the resource. By exploring the guide with professionals in a peer network, we can be ready and responsive and help cultivate STBs prevention and greater awareness in serving our young children.
During this 90-minute interactive webinar, educators will learn about the unique considerations for preventing, recognizing, and responding to suicide risk in elementary- age children. Using vignettes, participants will gain experience recognizing risk factors and warning signs of suicide in young children; practice developmentally appropriate assessment strategies; and explore tiered, school-based approaches to prevention and intervention.
Learning Objectives:

Gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors and warning signs of suicide in elementary-age children.
Explore the protective factors against suicide, as well as tiered, school-based approaches to prevention and intervention.
Learn strategies to communicate with parents/caregivers of elementary-age children at risk for suicide.

Who is this workshop for?

Mental health and school mental health providers (e.g., therapists, social workers, peer support professionals)
Supervisors, managers, directors, administrators, and leadership of school and mental health organizations and agencies
Technical assistance providers, coaches, consultants

Registration Deadline: April 18, 2023
Register here >>

The Early Years: Building Blocks for Everyday Learning -Virtual Early Childhood Conference
2023-04-19 08:30 - 16:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI)
Don’t miss MSPTI’s FREE Virtual Early Childhood Conference The Early Years: Building Blocks for Everyday Learning on April 19 to hear from top experts in the field of early childhood and learn practical tips to use at home and in the community.
REGISTER TODAY at tinyurl.com/earlyyears2023
The keynote speaker for the conference is Lisa Terry, MS, M.Ed., Infant Family Specialist, IMH-E®, Early Intervention Professional Development Consultant. Lisa provides support for the design and implementation of professional development activities for early intervention providers and administrators in Virginia. She has worked in early intervention for over 10 years as an educator, service coordinator, and clinical supervisor.
Lisa’s presentation is titled Embedded Learning Opportunities within Everyday Activities and Routines. This session will be packed with information on how to support a child’s learning environment naturally. We will consider the factors that impact a child’s behavior and ability to learn. We will explore ways to embed learning within a child’s routines (bed time, trips to the grocery store, etc.) and activities (play using everyday household objects.
Additional speakers include:
Michelle Miller – Building Towers of Fun: Developmental Play Strategies at Home and Beyond
Breana Jamison – Services on the Go: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Students Generalize Services in the Community
Leslie Junkin – From First Steps to Next Steps: Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community Supports
For more information about the conference, please email Brittany Greer at brittany@mspti.org.

Recovery, Recurrence, and Resilience
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:30
Join the National Family Support TAC and Thrive Family Recovery Resources as they discuss resilience, relapse and recovery from a skilled mother’s point of view. Pam Lanhart educates and offers hope.
Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-04-20 09:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health

Board Committee meetings will be held prior to the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/2debc250-2309-4f38-88cf-d4d80b249d88

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 N. Lamar Street 1101 Robert E. Lee Building
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov
