Families as Allies

Leadership Training Graduates Coaching and Support Group
2022-03-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
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.
Register here >>

What is a System of Care and What Does Wraparound Mean?
2022-03-24 14:00
The term “System of Care” is often used to describe mental health approaches and is actually mandated in Mississippi state law. This session is part of a three-part series in March and focuses on Wraparound and what it means for families. We will discuss Wraparound as the care coordination approach in Mississippi state law and what that means as far as the support families should be able to expect and the choices they should be offered. We will also discuss how to tell when wraparound isn’t really wraparound and some of the frustrations this might cause for families. This webinar explains the infrastructure of Mississippi’s system of care and the laws that tell how it is supposed to function. This series is meant to familiarize families and those working with them with system of care concepts and relate them back to current and proposed laws and policies. All sessions are appropriate for families, those working with them and policymakers.

Register here>>

What is a System of Care and How Does the Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth Fit Into It?
2022-03-31 14:00
The term “System of Care” is often used to describe mental health approaches and is actually mandated in Mississippi state law. This webinar explains the infrastructure of Mississippi’s system of care and the laws that tell how it is supposed to function. This session is part of a three part series in March and focuses on the Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth – what it is and how it supports families and family-driven practice. This series is meant to familiarize families and those working with them with system of care concepts and relate them back to current proposed laws and policies. All sessions are appropriate for families, those working with them and policymakers.

Register here >>

Status Conference Regarding the United States vs. Mississippi Mental Health Lawsuit
2022-04-04 13:30 - 14:30
A virtual status conference regarding the first monitoring report in the United States vs. Mississippi mental health lawsuit is scheduled for April 4, 2022, at 1:30 PM.
Click the link below to listen to the conference.
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615221753?pwd=[REDACTED]

2022 Parent Peer Support Institute: Advancing Parent Peer Support
2022-04-05 12:00 - 2022-04-07 15:00
Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association
Advancing Parent Peer Support Practice, Program & Policy
A virtual event designed for parent peer support providers, supervisors, administrators or policy-makers
* 9 hours of professional development* ” Conversations” with experts on current issues * Roles specific affinity workshops * Presenters from across the nation

Registration information coming soon! https://www.fredla.org/

Drop In Family Support Time
2022-04-07 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.
Join here>>

Family Connections: A Virtual Community for Parents and Caregivers
2022-04-07 12:30 - 13:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
“Family Connections” is a virtual community for parents and caregivers who support loved ones facing substance use and/or mental health challenges. Families tell us they need credible resources, guidance on accessing help, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. Monthly gatherings will focus on a specific topic, provide tips and tools, and offer the opportunity to network with other families.
Although every family’s experience is different, it can be reassuring to speak to other parents/caregivers whose children have experienced the same mental health, substance use, or physical health condition as your loved one(s) – no matter what age. Other parents/caregivers are likely to have been through the same emotions and processes, and it’s helpful to hear how others are navigating the complex needs of their loved ones.
This month’s Family Connections will bring parents/caregivers of children of all ages to talk about experiences, best practices initiatives, and how to navigate the system. A Family Leader will share her story, and families will have the opportunity to ask questions of the family leader and of a clinician who serves children with complex needs.
Register here >>
This event is free and open to all families and to the workforce, organizations and communities that support them. Request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.

Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council
2022-04-08 09:30
Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council
The Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council (MSICC) is an advisory council appointed by the Governor to advise and assist the Mississippi State Department of Health in implementing the requirements of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part C covers children birth through age two.
The MSICC advises and assists the MSDH First Steps Early Intervention Program. Families and professionals are encouraged to attend. Public comments may be shared during each meeting.

Parent Peer Support Conversation for Anyone working with Parent Peer Supporters
2022-04-08 10:00
This conversation is for anyone working with parents providing peer support to other parents in any system, such as Children’s Services Directors, MAP Team Coordinators, Care Coordinators and Center Directors. We will share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. We want to hear your feedback on how we’re doing from your perspective and how we can be most supportive to you. We will also discuss issues in parent peer support, including how to pay for it, what should be included in job descriptions and how to address questions that may arise.
Register here >>

Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
2022-04-14 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.

The MSCDD office is located on the 5th floor of the Robert E. Lee Building at 239 North Lamar Street in Jackson. Staff: Executive Director – Charles Hughes, Jr., Program Coordinator – Christy Ashley, Administrative Assistant – Comma McDuffey. Website – https://www.mscdd.org/

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2022-04-19 10:00, 2022-05-17 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.
Meeting Location:
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street
Jackson MS 39201
Map this!
Contact Information:
Deborah Etzold
601-359-5777
deborah.etzold@dmh.ms.gov

Breaking the Cycle: Families Supporting Youth and Young Adults in the Justice System
2022-04-20 12:00 - 13:00
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
The justice system has grown and changed over time. Having a youth or young adult in the justice system can be scary. This webinar will focus on ways to engage families in the justice system, teach parents/caregivers how to advocate for young people and offer lived experiences as examples of successful outcomes.
Learning Objectives:

Learn a 4-pronged approach to family engagement in the justice system
Learn how family engagement can influence positive outcomes for individuals and systems and reduce recidivism rate in the adult system
Learn how caregivers can become advocates for their child involved in the justice system
Learn tips and tools to elevate family voice in services, treatment, and case planning via the justice system

Register here >>
This event is free and open to all families and to the workforce, organizations and communities that support them. Request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2022-04-21 10:00 | Central High School, Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room, Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Board of Education

Mississippi State Board of Education meetings can be viewed via live stream.

Date: 10 a.m., April 21, 2022
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2022-04-21 12:00
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.
Register here >>

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting
2022-04-21 18:30 - 19:30
Quarterly board meeting of the board of Families as Allies. All meetings are open to the public and include time for public comments. Public comments can also be emailed to info@faams.org or faxed to 601-355-0919.

Register here >>

Skills for Effective Advocacy
2022-04-25 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
What is an advocate? What skills do parents and families need to learn to be effective in advocating for their children and youth with disabilities? Join us and learn tips to help navigate the journey.
Register here >>

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2022-04-27 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, April 27, 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.
website: https://www.mdek12.org/OSE/AP

CoE-IHS Webinar: Comprehensive Health Integration Part 1: Introducing a New Framework
2022-04-27 11:00 - 12:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Evidence strongly suggests that people of all ages living with co-occurring physical health, mental health and substance use challenges, as well as social determinants of health needs, have higher health costs yet experience poorer health outcomes. Additionally, these individuals and families are faced with significant inequities within physical and behavioral health settings, based on racial, ethnic, and economic challenges.
Integrated care approaches and models are a promising solution to address co-occurring health conditions, improve health outcomes and address health inequities across populations.
In this Comprehensive Health Integration (CHI) Webinar Series, integrated care experts will review the evolving expertise surrounding integrated care models and approaches and explore components of a new and visionary integrated care framework focused on bi-directional and population-based comprehensive healthcare outlined in the new paper titled, Designing, Implementing, and Sustaining Physical Health-Behavioral Health Integration: The Comprehensive Healthcare Integration Framework.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 27th from 12:00-1:00 pm ET for our upcoming webinar: CoE-IHS Webinar: Comprehensive Health Integration Part 1: Introducing a New Framework, to hear from experts in the field as we explore the current state of integration and learn more about the comprehensive health integration framework.
Register here >>

Mark your calendars for all sessions in the series and subscribe for email updates to be the first to know when the next sessions are scheduled.

May 25, 1 p.m. ET – Comprehensive Health Integration Part 2: Domains and Constructs
June 2022 – Comprehensive Health Integration Part 3: Measuring Integration and Choosing Metrics
July 2022 – Comprehensive Health Integration Part 4: Payment Models for Comprehensive Health Integration

This virtual initiative is supported by the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions (CoE-IHS), funded by a grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). If you have any questions about these sessions or any others in this virtual initiative, please contact Integration@TheNationalCouncil.org.
Subscribe for CoE-IHS updates.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2022-04-27 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.
Graduates of leadership training are especially encouraged to attend, but anyone interested in policy is welcome.
Register here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2022-05-05 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.
Register here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2022-05-11 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 >>

Children's Mental Health Summit
2022-05-12 - 2022-05-13
Canopy Children’s Solutions

The Children’s Mental Health Summit is Thursday, May 12 and Friday, May 13 at the Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center. Continuing education units are available!

Register or Sponsor here >>

MS Crisis System Community Forum for Individuals and Families with Lived Experience
2022-05-12 10:00
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
As many of you are already aware, the state and nation have been working to implement 988 – a national behavioral health crisis line that will connect individuals and families in crisis with the help and support they need. 988 will replace the current 1-800 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and will be promoted as a suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis line that goes live July 16, 2022. DMH has been working with a Planning Coalition over the past year to prepare for this launch. As part of our planning process, we are seeking input from individuals and families with lived experience to help inform decisions regarding the enhancement of our state’s crisis system.
Recognizing that individuals and families with lived experience are closest to the solutions and have unique perspectives highlights the importance of utilizing these experiences to enhance the crisis system. A virtual community forum for individuals and families with lived experience will be held on May 12, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The forum will be hosted by Health Management Associates, a consulting group assisting DMH with 988 implementation.
Crisis service topics with an emphasis on individuals and families with lived experience needs will include:

Strengths, gaps, and opportunities of the current crisis system
Critical components of a crisis response system for first responders
Critical linkages and practices to other inter-dependent systems

Register here >>

Born to Be Wild Family & Friends Picnic
2022-05-14 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!
$7 Ticket Includes
* All day access to Museum
* Lunch Provided
* Archery

* Scavenger Hunt

* Creature Feature
* Project PAC Demonstration
* New State of the Art Accessible Playground
* Fitness Activity

* K-9 Demonstration

Register to attend.
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ej2hg3v6aeef1b35&llr=julfnscab&showPage=true

Peer Support Training
2022-05-16 08:30 - 2022-05-20 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. Families as Allies conducts virtual training for the certification. These are the dates of upcoming trainings:

May 16-20, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 18, 2022)
July 18-22, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: June 20, 2022)
September 12-16, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: August 15, 2022)
November 14-18, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: October 17, 2022)

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.

Candid Conversations on Youth Mental Wellbeing & Vaping
2022-05-17 13:30
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Join the National Council of Well Being for a candid conversation on youth mental wellbeing and the effects of vaping.
Register here to attend >>

NAMI Mississippi’s 2022 State Conference
2022-05-18 08:00 - 2022-05-21 17:00
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Theme – “Taking Action for Mental Health”
Conference Dates: May 18-21, 2022
Location: Virtual
Send questions to stateconference@namims.org.
Printable registration forms and sponsorship packets are available.

Approved for Social Work CEs in partnership with the Jackson State University School of Social Work. Social Work CEs incur an additional $10 fee. The $10 fee is NOT a standalone ticket.
Approved for DMH CEs through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. DMH CEs are included with registration.

Sponsorships:

Platinum: $1,500 (video, name listed on website, social media post, listed on agenda, plaque, three tickets)
Gold: $750 (video, name listed on website, social media post, listed on agenda, plaque, two tickets)
Silver: $500 (video, name listed on website, social media post, listed on agenda, one ticket)
Bronze: $250 (read promo, name listed on website, social media post, listed on agenda)

Registration:

Early Bird: $75 (11/1/2021-2/28/2022)
Early Bird + One-Year New Membership: $100 (11/1/2021-2/28/2022)
Regular: $99 (3/1/2021-5/21/2022)
Regular + One-Year New Membership (3/1/2021-5/21/2022): $125

Discounts for existing active NAMI members and NAMI Peers will be available starting 3/1/2022. Details will be sent via email to the membership list and to the NAMI Mississippi affiliates.
Register here >>

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2022-05-18 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 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.
website: https://www.mdek12.org/OSE/AP

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2022-05-19 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/5c625fa6-9c71-4369-8386-f93481e263ad

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street Suite 1101
Jackson MS 39201
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov
