Families as Allies

Virtual Leadership Training
2021-04-29 09:00 - 11:30, 2021-04-30 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
This training is for parents, caregivers and staff members who are interested in learning to serve on decision-making groups and committees. There will be 2 sessions, and each session will last 2.5 hours. Participants must attend all sessions for the entire session in order to receive their certificate. They also must be able to join the sessions from a device that has a camera and stay on camera throughout all sessions. Parents and caregivers who are receiving a stipend for completing this training must also turn in all course evaluations in addition to completing the other requirements in order to receive their stipends.
Register now >>

Future Power: How Parents Can Help
2021-04-29 11:00 - 14:00
The Meridian Public School District in partnership with Weems Community Mental Health Center has teamed up to host Future Power: How Parents Can Help
The event will take place at the Meridian Community College Workforce Development Center. Parents of Elementary students are invited to come on April 28 from 11 am-Noon or 1 pm-2 pm. Parents of secondary students are invited to come on April 29 from 11 am-Noon or 1 pm-2 pm. The Keynote speaker for each hour will be Dr. James Murphy, District Behavioral Specialist.
“I look forward to taking a few minutes to share with the community how the Meridian Public School District is working towards educating the whole child, specifically, their mental health,” said Dr. James Murphy, MPSD District Behavioral Specialist. “While also beginning the conversation of what are some of the challenges facing the community we serve in terms of mental health.”
Parents will be able to gather information on special services, school programs offered by MPSD, and community resources available through our community partners.
Attendees will be eligible for door prizes and lunch will be provided. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at the event. For more information contact Dr. James Murphy at jmurphy@mpsdconnect.org.
Register here >>

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act: After High School
2021-04-30 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
IDEA or 504 services in high school do not guarantee eligibility for accommodations in post-secondary education. Join us and learn how to be prepared for the next phase of education.
Register here>>

Section 504, ADAA and Children with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs: What Parents Need to Know
2021-04-30 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
When people think about educating students with disabilities, the first thing that may come to mind is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although students can receive accommodations, related services, and special education under both Section 504 and IDEA, the two laws vary in a number of important ways. This presentation will provide parents with information to help them understand the law and what it means to their child.
Register here>>

Education and Mental Health During COVID-19: How are the Children and Caregivers Doing, Really?
2021-04-30 14:30 - 16:00
SAMHSA-sponsored webinars presented by the National Federation of Families
Discussing the Effects of COVID 19 from the Family Perspective – Part Two
Over the past year, COVID 19 dramatically transformed every aspect of family life as stay-at-home orders went into effect nationwide. In January 2021, the National Federation of Families (NFF) conducted a national survey to learn from families regarding the effects of COVID 19 related to their children’s education and both their children and their family’s mental health. Receiving over 1100 responses from families in every state and the District of Columbia, NFF has compiled this data to create an infographic that offers a comprehensive look at the struggles our families face with both virtual education and behavioral health. Challenges range from balancing school and work, meeting students’ special education needs, and accessing needed behavioral health services. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, and these results will serve as the catalyst for the discussions in each webinar.
This topic will be presented as a two-part series. The first will present the data and define the challenges from the family perspective. We will discuss the data findings and delve into the rich, anecdotal information. Part 2 will address the implications for both schools and behavioral health providers. How do schools gear up to support the mental health needs of students with resources that are equitable to those earmarked for physical health issues? How do behavioral health providers meet the needs of families and attempt to mitigate the effects of the pandemic? Equally important is how these two groups partner to ensure that both children and families are receiving the support they need.
By the end of these discussions, it is anticipated that participants will be able to:
· Understand the challenges that families have faced during the pandemic
· Articulate the importance of supporting both mental and physical health needs as students return to in-person learning
· Describe the importance of strong partnership between schools and behavioral health providers
Presenters
· Sharon A. Hoover, Ph.D. – A licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Co-Director of the National Center for School Mental Health and Director of the Center for Safe Supportive Schools (CS3)
· Melinda Baldwin, Ph.D. – Chief of the Child, Adolescent, & Family Branch in the Center for Mental Health Services at SAMHSA
Facilitator
· Lynda Gargan, Ph.D. – Executive Director, National Federation of Families
Register here>>

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Flip the Script Live!
2021-05-04 14:00
On May 4th, Tuesday of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, at 2:00 p.m. ET, the National Federation of Families will host a live “fireside chat” style event during which a small group of leaders from national organizations focused on children’s and youth mental health will share their thoughts on this year’s theme “Flip the Script on Mental Health” and how it applies to their work. You can learn more about the theme here. Visit this page again for updates about the event – coming soon!
We’re excited to announce our panel of presenters. Each will share their thoughts on how we can Flip the Script on Mental Health to build acceptance and improve the lives of the children, youth, and families they serve.
Moderator:
​Lynda Gargan, Ph.D.
Executive Director, National Federation of Families
Principal Investigator, National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
​Panel Presenters:
​Joshua Boynton
National Expert, National Federation of Families Board Member
​Marlene Matarese
Deputy Director, Institute for Innovation and Implementation, Principal Investigator, Center for Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, National Quality Improvement Center for LGBTQ2S Youth In Foster Care, National Quality Improvement Center on Family Centered Reunification, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work
​David Miller
Project Director, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
​Jennifer Rothman
National Youth Programs, Senior Manager, Youth/Young Adult Initiatives, Information, Support & Education, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
​Dawn Tyus
Director/ Principal Investigator: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Principal Investigator: African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Register here>>

Children’s Mental Health Summit
2021-05-05 08:00 - 12:00
Canopy Children’s Solutions and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health

Join us for the Seventh Annual Children’s Mental Health Summit, presented by Canopy Children’s Solutions and Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH).

This year’s theme is Creating Cultures of Dignity and Hope.

Join us during this year’s summit to learn how to build a culture of dignity and hope within your organization, with the children you serve, and in your personal lives.
Thank you to Canopy Children’s Solutions and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for sponsoring the summit.
There will be a $50/participant fee for the event.
Register for the Children’s Mental Health Summit by:

Downloading the registration form below and submitting to Canopy Children’s Solutions, Post Office Box 1078, Jackson, MS 39215, or by fax to 601.968.0021.
Paying with Paymode – If you are a state agency paying with Paymode, please fax in registration form below to reserve your spots and designate paying through Paymode. Payment should be designated to Mississippi Children’s Home Society.

Register here>>

Virtual Support Group - May 6
2021-05-06 12:00 - 13:00
Any parent or caregiver of a child with a behavioral challenge is welcome to join us on the first and third Thursday of each month.
Register here >>

Procedural Safeguards and Discipline
2021-05-07 10:00 - 11:00
Parents may get confused about what their rights are and what their child’s rights are when their child has an IEP and is being disciplined. This webinar will review suspensions and other disciplining of students with IEPs. Manifestation Determination hearings related to your child’s IEP will be reviewed as well. This is the fourth in a five-part series about procedural safeguards. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. This training is appropriate for families and anyone who works with families in any system.
Register here>>

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth and Their Families
2021-05-10 11:00 - 12:30
Webinar by Crossover Xpand: Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk for multiple health disparity outcomes, including increased rates of depression, suicidal thinking, and worse physical health outcomes. Mental health providers and other allies are key to providing support to families and reducing risk for unwanted outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this presentation is to provide members of the audience with an empirical understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and how to use their skillset to support this community.

About the Speaker:

ALEXANDRIA MULLINS DELOZIER, PH.D. is a 2019 graduate of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Oklahoma State University (OSU). She completed her clinical internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Delozier’s research focuses on understanding and addressing factors impacting health disparities and adjustment outcomes in gender and sex diverse youth and their families. Her dissertation, which was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Mullins at OSU examined the relation between stigma, uncertainty, and psychological distress in parents of children newly diagnosed with a disorder of sex development (DSD) and atypical genital development. In addition to research, Dr. Delozier has a clinical interest in working with gender, sex, and sexual minority youth and their families. She is the current Research Director and Associate Medical Director of the LGBT+ health clinic at UMMC.

Webinar: Supporting Children’s Emotional and Academic Readiness in Returning to the Classroom
2021-05-11 15:00 - 16:00
Sponsored by NCSMH and FREDLA.

Presenters:
Kris Scardamalia Ph.D. and Samantha Reaves Ph.D.
National Center for School Mental Health

COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of our children’s lives this past year. Children and youth have had to adapt to rapid and sometimes multiple shifts in education settings, child care, and time spent with friends and lack of social opportunities and sporting events. The stress and the uncertainty of isolation and new demands have presented our families with significant challenges, and families report that mental health is a top concern. As families are now preparing for their children to transition back into school buildings and an eventual return to a traditional school curriculum, they are concerned with academic and emotional readiness.

Building Restorative Classrooms
2021-05-11 15:00 - 16:30
National Training and Technical Assistance Center

Supporting children and youth with high emotional and behavioral needs is often lonely, overwhelming, complex, and not well-understood. How as a caregiver do you navigate school services, child welfare, and other involved systems to get the support you need for your child? How as school providers might we learn with families through their advocacy journeys?

Let’s come together to listen and learn from family advocates and colleagues in the field to deepen our practice, student-center our services, and make this work less lonely and more connected.

The “Building Bridges of Hope” NTTAC Institute and accompanying community of practice will join parents, caregivers, providers, and educators together to strategize how to support each other while supporting our students with emotional and behavioral health needs.

Join us as we create space to dream and hope together to find new ways of being, learning, and partnering.

Together, we engage in interactive discussions regarding what is working, concerning challenges, and rising promising practices and services nation-wide.

Learning Institute Date and Topic

Building Restorative Classrooms

Tuessday, May 11
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
and
Wednesday, May 12
6:00-7:15 a.m.

Register here>>

Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2021-05-14 08:30 - 13:00
Event by Mississippi Department of Mental Health
This 6.5-hour training gives adults who regularly interact with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
The new virtual delivery option includes a 2-hour self-paced course followed by 4.5 hours of Instructor led training delivered virtually through Zoom at no cost to you.
Contact Courtney Littleton for any questions or concerns at courtney.littleton@dmh.ms.gov
CEUs are available for educators!
Register >>

Supporting our Children's Mental Health by Flipping the Script
2021-05-14 10:00 - 11:00
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Flip the Script. In this webinar, we will discuss ways to flip the script from traditional ways of thinking to new ideas to support our children individually, in the systems that serve them, and at the policy level. This webinar is appropriate for families, those who work with families, and policymakers.

Register here >>

Born to Be Wild Family & Friends Picnic
2021-05-15 10:00 - 14:00
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities – Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Get your outdoor green on and join us for a FUN filled day celebrating individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. Enjoy a day free of judgment and full of support.
Visit our “Resource Trail” and gather valuable information from agencies and advocacy groups. Everyone is welcome! There is no fee for registration this year.
However, we welcome you to become a member of the Coalition and we will be accepting donations at the picnic (suggested donation $12/person)
Registration includes:
* All day access to Museum
* Lunch
* Archery
* Scavenger Hunt
* Creature Feature
* Outdoor Hunt
* Going Wild with the Birds
* K-9 Demonstration
Register here>>

MSPTI- Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 1)
2021-05-19 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 1)
Parents of children with disabilities are constantly learning about advocacy. Understanding how to advocate for your child, along with the importance of communication, and how to resolve conflicts are important parts of the process. Join us for a two-part virtual advocacy academy that will empower you with information and resources.
Presented by:
Leslie Junkin, Project Director, MSPTI
Register here>>
(Part 2) 26, 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-05-19 12:00 - 13:00
Join us via Zoom for our monthly Coaching and Support session for parents who are supporting other parents in any system.
Register here>>

MSPTI - IDEA Part C Early Intervention Written State Complaints: A Guide for Families of Infants and Toddlers (Birth through Age 2)
2021-05-20 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
IDEA Part C Early Intervention Written State Complaints: A Guide for Families of Infants and Toddlers (Birth through Age 2)
Parents have important rights if they disagree about whether the requirements of Part C of the IDEA are being followed. Under Part C of the IDEA, you have the right to file a written state complaint when you want the state lead agency to investigate if the IDEA has been followed. This session will provide families with information and resources to guide them through this process.
Presented by:
Leslie Junkin, Project Director, MSPTI
Register here>>

Virtual Support Group - May 20
2021-05-20 12:00 - 13:00
Any parent or caregiver of a child with a behavioral challenge is welcome to join us on the first and third Thursday of each month. During the month of April, groups will focus on dealing with IEPs and other school issues. There will be time to talk about anything else the group would like to discuss.
Register here >>

Summertime: How Can I Keep My Child Engaged?
2021-05-20 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center

During this month’s meeting, we will review ideas we’ve discussed all year for at-home learning, keeping the summer in mind. We will also discuss low-cost and free summer opportunities in your community and online, ways to locate them, and how to evaluate if they are a good fit for your child. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions!

Presented by:
Brittany Herrington, PhD, Early Learning and SCD Specialist, REACH MS

Register here>>

A Seamless System of Care for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
2021-05-21 10:00 - 11:00
The system of care concept is widely discussed in children’s mental health, but it is also a concept used to describe how children and youth with specials health care needs and their families should be supported. This webinar discusses the goals and values of a system of care for children and youth for special health care needs as well as the idea of bringing together all of the systems around one system of care for children. This webinar is appropriate for families, anyone who works with families and policymakers.

Register here >>

Parenting with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
2021-05-24 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
The implementation of PBIS provides adults and children with more opportunities for positive interactions and offers an opportunity for lasting behavioral changes. This presentation will offer an overview of the basic principles of PBIS and practical examples of how it can support positive changes in behavior at home.
Presented by:
Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

MSPTI- Educational Options: What’s Available in Mississippi?
2021-05-25 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Educational choices available to families are growing in Mississippi. During this session, we will discuss the educational options available to families. Information will be provided on the three scholarship options for students with disabilities and how to access each.

Presented by:
Pam Dollar, Executive Director, MS Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities

Register here>>

Building Health Partnerships in an Education Setting
2021-05-25 15:00 - 16:30
National Training and Technical Assistance Center

Supporting children and youth with high emotional and behavioral needs is often lonely, overwhelming, complex, and not well-understood. How as a caregiver do you navigate school services, child welfare, and other involved systems to get the support you need for your child? How as school providers might we learn with families through their advocacy journeys?

Let’s come together to listen and learn from family advocates and colleagues in the field to deepen our practice, student-center our services, and make this work less lonely and more connected.

The “Building Bridges of Hope” NTTAC Institute and accompanying community of practice will join parents, caregivers, providers, and educators together to strategize how to support each other while supporting our students with emotional and behavioral health needs.

Join us as we create space to dream and hope together to find new ways of being, learning, and partnering.

Together, we engage in interactive discussions regarding what is working, concerning challenges, and rising promising practices and services nation-wide.

Learning Institute Date and Topic

Building Health Partnerships in an Education Setting
Tuesday, May 25

Building Restorative Classrooms

Tuesday, May 25
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
and
Wednesday, May 26
6:00-7:15 a.m.

Register here>>

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NAMI Mississippi’s 2021 State Conference
2021-05-26 08:00 - 2021-05-29 13:00
Theme – “Adequate Self Care: Transformation, Motivation and Essentials”
Conference Dates: May 26-29, 2021
Location: Virtual
Send questions to stateconference@namims.org.
Registration Fee: $45 | Register Here
Discounts available for active NAMI members and NAMI peers (NAMI members with a mental health condition).
To get a promo code, call the State Office at 601-899-9058, email stateconference@namims.org or contact your NAMI Mississippi Affiliate.
Not an active member? Join or renew to get your discount: namims.org/join
Click here for a preliminary agenda. | CE information is forthcoming.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2021-05-26 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting by Phone:
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

MSPTI- Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2021-05-26 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
Parents of children with disabilities are constantly learning about advocacy. Understanding how to advocate for your child, along with the importance of communication, and how to resolve conflicts are important parts of the process. Join us for a two-part virtual advocacy academy that will empower you with information and resources.
Presented by:
Leslie Junkin, Project Director, MSPTI
Register here>>

Leadership Training Graduates Coaching and Support Group
2021-05-26 12:00 - 13:00
This group will focus on opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making groups, provide coaching guidance for those who are already serving on groups or about to serve on groups, and will be a place where graduates can discuss common concerns, problems and successes that will help them be more effective parent/caregiver leaders. Meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 12 noon. (Open only to leadership training graduates.)
Register now >>

Community Partnerships and Opportunity for True Family Engagement
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00
Join Justice for Families Learning Series
Community Partnerships and Opportunity for True
Family Engagement

FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Willetta Perryman and Dr.Tracee Perryman PhD.
Dr. Perryman founding member of The Center of Hope ELEVATE Program provides literacy, youth development, and coding programs to help students perform better on standardized tests, avoid delinquency, and become marketable to enter the workforce upon high school graduation. Before COVID-19, students in grades k-4 would enjoy weekly enrichment activities and free dinner and snacks from Monday until Thursday.
ELEVATE has achieved results in line with promoting students’ development, school attendance, and positive behavior. Parents and young people agreed that the ELEVATE program staff cared about their children and wanted to see them succeed. One hundred percent of school staff members reported that the ELEVATE program helped students.
By her side is her amazing mom and leader Willetta Perryman together they have built a community that supports many young people and allows for true change. It is with their guidance and heart that the community is supported in the next steps.
Jeannette Boanegra-Simon is the Executive Director for Justice For Families. She is a dedicated mother of six, a grandmother of two, and a longtime resident of the South Bronx. In 2011, Jeannette became the lead researcher in the Bronx for Justice For Families’ groundbreaking Families Unlocking Futures report and ultimately joined Community Connections for Youth (CCFY) where she served as the organization’s first Director of Family Engagement. At CCFY, she developed the organization’s Family Strengthening portfolio and initiated the groundbreaking Parent Support Program (PSP) in partnership with the NYC Department of Probation. She is also a member of several advisory boards
for juvenile justice initiatives in New York City where she represents the voice of impacted families.
Jeannette’s commitment to advocating for families with youth in the juvenile justice system is based on her own difficult experiences as the parent of an incarcerated youth. Prior to doing this work, Jeannette was involved with parent advocacy and educational reform and served as the Parent Involvement Coordinator at ASPIRA of NY. For over two decades, Jeannette has tirelessly worked to ensure that young people and their families
have the resources they need to thrive.
Connect with the Justice 4 Families :
Jeannette Bocanegra-Simon, Executive Director
Email: Jeannette@justice4families.org
Sign in to Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84405097682
