Families as Allies

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.

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-04-06 12:00, 2023-05-04 12:00 (America/Chicago)
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 >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
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 >>

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

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2023-04-20 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.

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 >>

Dealing with Grief
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Public Health InstitutePresents: Dealing with Grief
Tina Gustavis, Certified Grief Counselor

Objectives:

Understand the different meanings of loss and the impact of loss on those grieving and developed perceptions of death and death anxiety.
Gain knowledge in the bereavement and grieving process and identify the practical issues and problems that arise for individuals and families following a death or a major loss in the family.
Examine the variables impacting the family and/or person facing death and bereavement.

1.0 CE’s for:
-SW (Social Work) general hours
-DMH (PLACE)
-MAAP ( Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals)
-Attendance Certificate
Questions? Please Contact/Email: MSPHI 601-398-4406 | support@msphi.org
Register here >>

Engaging Youth and Families in Residential Care – Strategies and Impact from Research and Lived Experience
2023-04-20 13:00 - 14:30
The National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health
Therapeutic residential care can be a lifesaving resource for children and youth with complex needs and their families. However, research has shown that youth and family engagement is lacking in these programs, and residential care centers are challenged in implementing youth and family-driven care.
This webinar will offer insight through research and lived experiences into the current status of residential care and suggest strategies to more effectively partner with the youth and families that receive these services. A panel of youth and parents who have experienced residential care will share what they found worked and did not work for their families as well as identify strategies and approaches that would be helpful. Recent studies of family engagement in residential care will also be highlighted to support implementation.
Register here>>

The 5Ws of Guidance for Pediatric End-of-Life Care
2023-04-20 14:00
Pediatric Palliative Care

DESCRIPTION:
In this webinar, our presenters will review the American Academy of Pediatrics report outlining best practices for Pediatric End-of-Life Care, focusing especially on the days and hours leading up to and following a child’s death. Topics will include family support, serious decision-making, pain and symptom management, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

OBJECTIVES:

Appreciate the context leading to the AAP’s Clinical Report “Guidance for Pediatric End-of-Life Care”
Review the recommendations within the Clinical Report
Identify one recommendation focus for improvement within your own clinical practice or institution

Register here >>

Part 2: Young Children and Suicide Prevention for Parents and Caregivers
2023-04-20 17:00 - 18:30
Pacific Southwest MHTTC
Join The Pacific Southwest MHTTC team for part 2 of this 2-part series. This workshop provides parents and caregivers a space to learn more about common myths and facts about suicide risk in young children. We will discuss some of the risk factors for suicide, as well as how to recognize warning signs that a child may be considering suicide. We will practice ways to talk with children about suicide in an age-appropriate way, as well as how to take action and secure professional help if a child is in danger.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Gain a deeper understanding of risk factors and warning signs of suicide in young children.
Learn developmentally-appropriate ways parents and caregivers can talk with their children about suicide.
Learn action steps parents and caregivers can take in responding to suicide risks in their children, including how to make their environments safer and connect children to professional support.

Register here >>

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting
2023-04-20 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 >>

Love Out Loud
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00
Ever Reaching Community Outreach
The Ever Reaching Community Outreach (ERCO) is hosting Love Out Loud at Yogi on the Lake. The FREE event will take place on April 22, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ERCO extends an invitation to stay for lunch. It will be provided at no charge.
Activities for participants include bounce houses, games, face-painting and more.
ERCO is a faith-based nonprofit that serves as a Mississippi Food Network food pantry; a donation center (with clothes, housewares, furniture and more); a network resource center working together with other ministries to meet needs; and a provider of hope-sharing the message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ. (James 1:22)
Contact 601-665-5720 or visit ERCO’s website at ERCO@everreaching.net for more information.

Status Conference Regarding the United States vs. Mississippi Mental Health Lawsuit
2023-04-26 10:00
A virtual status conference regarding the third monitoring report in the United States vs. Mississippi mental health lawsuit is scheduled for April 26, 2023, at 10 AM.
The status conference scheduled will be conducted by Zoom. The public may join by clicking on the following link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604234532?pwd=[REDACTED]

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2023-04-26 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet online on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 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/83452343575?pwd=[REDACTED] Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575 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) One tap Mobile +13092053325,,83452343575#,,,,*[REDACTED]# Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575 Passcode: [REDACTED] The
The panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m. Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Coon, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: scoon@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 Sharon Coon at 601-359-3498.

Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) April Lunch & Learn Webinar: Disability Cultural Competence in Health Care
2023-04-26 11:00
Interagency Committee on Disability Research
As part of their Lunch & Learn webinar series, the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) is hosting “Disability Cultural Competence in Health Care.” During this webinar, attendees will hear about research projects and findings related to disability cultural competence, access, and inclusion. At the end of the presentation, there will a 15-minute Q&A session.
Presenters:
Amanda Krupa, Director of Communications and Marketing, AHIMA Foundation
Arielle Silverman, Ph.D., Research Director, American Foundation for the Blind
Register here >>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2023-04-26 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 >>

Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Where Do We Go From Here?
2023-04-27 11:00 - 12:30
There is growing recognition that unaddressed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can greatly impact young people’s development and their future well-being. However, what is less well-known is that racism, oppression, and historical trauma have an enormous impact on ACEs and how they perpetuate in families and communities. If we truly want to promote healing from ACEs now and prevent ACEs in the future, then we must address the root causes of ACEs, including racism and oppression.
Please join the NTTAC in this upcoming session that explores preventing ACEs from an equitable and antiracist lens. This panel is co-hosted with PACEsConnection and honors lived experience.
Joining in this session will be a young adult with lived experience, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and a community organizer. Together, the panelists will bring their varying perspectives to discuss the connection between ACEs and oppression and effective strategies for taking action. The panelists will explore barriers that make it challenging to address racism as a root cause of ACEs, and solutions for overcoming these challenges.
Register here >>

Strategies for Providing Whole Child Care: A Blueprint for Meeting Children’s Social Needs
2023-05-02 14:30 - 15:30
Manatt
Strong evidence suggests that investing in children’s social needs leads to long-term improvements in health, economic stability and resilience. Despite this growing body of research, stakeholders have historically prioritized addressing the health-related social needs (HRSN), also referred to as social drivers of health (SDOH), of adults with complex health issues due to the short-term return on investment (ROI). As programs to address nonmedical factors that impact health become more prevalent, the HRSN of children and youth are gaining greater attention.

In a new webinar, Manatt will facilitate a panel discussion with state and national leaders who are pioneering new ways to address the HRSN of children. Manatt’s Cindy Mann will then review the emerging opportunities for financing children’s HRSN interventions. The program will review recent developments and promising approaches for financing the HRSN of children, including 1115 waivers, “in lieu of services” (ILOS), and Children’s Health and Wellness Funds. Click here to register for this free program. Key topics include:

A panel discussion about the growing activity and interest in investments in the HRSN of children and youth
The factors that tend to limit investment in the HRSN of children and youth, including the long-term vs. short-term ROI for health plans, providers and state Medicaid agencies
The actions the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and states are taking to implement policy solutions—including examples of the latest waiver approvals—and how they are advancing new approaches to supporting the HRSN of children and youth
How Children’s Health and Wellness Funds offer a complementary or additional approach for financing HRSN initiatives for children, youth and their families

Even if you can’t make our live program on May 2, click here to register for the free webinar now and you’ll receive a link to view the program on demand.
Presenters

Moderator: Jocelyn Guyer, Senior Managing Directory
Panel of state and national innovators implementing new strategies for addressing HRSN of children and youth, including:

Cindy Mann, Partner, Manatt Health
Dr. Kara Walker, Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, Nemours Children’s Health
Steph Jarem, Director, Office of Health Policy, Oregon Health Authority

RSVP:
Click here to register free.
Register Now

Virtual Black Family Symposium 2023
2023-05-04 09:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Families for Kids
Mississippi Families for Kids is proud to invite you to the upcoming virtual Black Family Symposium.
This symposium is a chance for our community to come together to discuss issues affecting the Black community, make changes collectively, and prepare for the fall Black Family Summit.
Change starts at home and evolves as we ensure children have a voice in the change process. The symposium will provide an opportunity for individuals and professionals to become educated and equipped to change our community for the better. We will also be celebrating National Black Family Day during the symposium.
Register here >>
The registration fee is $25 for professionals, $10 for the community, and free for students. Social workers receive 2 CEUs for attending from Jackson State University. If you are a student, please register and skip the payment step.
For more information about the Black Family Symposium, contact acampbell@mffk.org.

IDEA Legal Update: Lessons Learned with Art Cernosia, Esq.
2023-05-04 11:00 - 12:30
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Join Art Cernosia, Esq. as he reviews the most important legal cases in special education and early intervention in the recent past. In addition to reviewing the cases, he will reflect upon what they may mean for the field and encourage your questions throughout. This webinar is open to everyone, including parents, state agencies, parent centers, and practitioners.
Register here >>

Family Connections: Navigating Family Support
2023-05-04 12:30
Hosted by the 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 focus on a specific topic, provide tips and tools, and offer the opportunity to network with other families. Family Connections takes place the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. ET*. (*1:30pm ET/12:30pm CT/10:30am PT.)

On May 4th, Family Connections takes on “Navigating Family Support.”
The past few years have taken a toll on the mental health of many across the country, especially youth. In February of this year, the Center for Disease Control released new data showing that “mental health among students overall continues to worsen, with more than 40% of high school students feeling so sad or hopeless that they could not engage in their regular activities for at least two weeks during the previous year.“
We believe parents and caregivers are the subject matter experts when it comes to their own child. But being a subject matter expert also means we need to stay on top of new ideas, skills, and tools. There’s so much available online that it can be hard to discern what’s reliable and what’s not. We’ll introduce you to a new online resource created by leading mental health experts with evidence-based content — giving parents/guardians the knowledge and tools to support youth while strengthening their own mental health.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to find and access vetted, evidence-based resources on mental health and tools to support their families.
Participants will learn to couple their lived experience with education and knowledge as their children who experience/experienced mental health challenges enters different stages of development.
Acceptance Factor: By accessing reliable information, knowledge, and skills, parents and caregivers are better able to support, advocate, and act for their child at every stage of development.

Register here >>
This event is free and open to all families, parents, caregivers, and to the family workforce, organizations and communities that support them. You can also request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center of Excellence (COE) Grant #1H79F6000160-Fam-CoE is funded by SAMHSA. The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center is led by the National Federation of Families.

History of Children’s Mental Health Week
2023-05-08 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about how Children’s Mental Health Week was born!
Presenters: Barbara Huff, Founding Director of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and Barb Scheidegger, Executive Director Missouri Families 4 Families.
Click Here to Register>>

System of Care Summit 2023
2023-05-09 - 2023-05-11
National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health
The National Center for Training and Technical Assistance on Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC) is pleased to announce a no-cost System of Care Virtual Summit (SOC Summit) on May 9-11, 2023.
The SOC Summit is an opportunity for all children’s mental health partners to reunite, renew, and re-energize their efforts to support children and young people with behavioral health needs, as well as their families.
Our virtual doors are open to anyone who is invested in the mental health and wellness of children, youth, and families.
Register here >>

Well Beyond Medicine: Implementing School-Based Behavioral Health Programs
2023-05-09 10:00 - 14:00
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Nemours Children’s Health will host a virtual convening focused on school-based behavioral health. Invitees will include national pediatric and behavioral health organizations, content experts, federal agency staff and officials, grantees of relevant federal programs, representatives of state and local agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other interested stakeholders. We will discuss implementation of the various school-based behavioral health provisions included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (P.L. 117-159) and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328).
Register here >>
