Families as Allies

Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Virtual Meeting
2021-11-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
ACL is pleased to announce the fourth meeting of the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG).
Online Attendance:
This virtual meeting is open to the public. Registration is not required to attend. The webinar link will be posted on the SGRG Webpage prior to the meeting and open for access (live) 15 minutes prior to the meeting start time.
Join here >>

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11: A Virtual Roundtable for Latino Parents
2021-11-16 19:30
ACLAMO
Join the ACLAMO to get the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 years old. Speakers will answer your questions and concerns. This program will be held in Spanish.
SPEAKERS:
Welcome by Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH, Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Dr. Federico Andino, Family Medicine, Einstein Montgomery
Dr. Sadia Benzaquen, Chair, Pulmonary Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network
Moderated by Nelly Jimenez, Executive Director & CEO, ACLAMO
For the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine in Montgomery County, visit www.montcopa.org/COVID-19vaccine.

Register here >>

Know Your Rights: IDEA Procedural Safeguards
2021-11-17 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent and Training Information Center
Procedural safeguards may seem like a dry topic, with long explanations and terms that are confusing or hard to understand to your family. Why are procedural safeguards important and how will they help your child? Procedural safeguards are the rights that protect you. When you know your rights, you’re able to be an equal participant in your child’s educational process and you know what to do when something isn’t working.
Presented by: Pam Dollar, Executive Director, MSCCD
Register here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-11-17 12:00 - 23:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants and parent educators are especially encouraged to attend. We will share ideas, brainstorm and support each other. Coaching is based on the competencies and ethical code of the National Federation of Families Certification model for parent peer support.

Join here >>

Developing Family Resource Center Networks: Where Do We Start?
2021-11-17 13:30 - 14:45
National Family Support Network

What are the steps for developing a Network of Family Resource Centers?
How can public and private funders and/or community-based organizations support families in their city, county, or state by developing a Network of Family Resource Centers?
What resources are available to support the development of these Networks?

Family Resource Center Networks have emerged across the country in cities, counties, and states as an effective means of ensuring coordinated quality support for families. These Networks connect, organize, and support Family Resource Centers. Serving as the backbone entity to leverage the collective impact of their members, they create opportunities for service providers to exchange information, develop relationships, build capacity, and address challenges that no one organization could on its own.
Some of these Networks have been started by public or private funders, others by community-based organizations, and some by a combination of these and other stakeholders recognizing the value of coming together. Funders have an especially key role to play in terms of resourcing and strengthening the capacity of both Family Resource Centers and Network infrastructure.
Whether you are a funder or a community-based organization interested in developing a Network, this webinar will provide information and tools to support your next steps. The webinar will include a detailed review of two Network development continua developed by the NFSN which can be found in the Developing Networks section of the Family Support Networks page on the NFSN website.
Who Should Participate:
National, state, and local policymakers, public departments, private funders, Children’s Trust Fund staff, Family Support and Strengthening Program management staff
Register here>>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2021-11-18 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.

ROBERT E. LEE OFFICE BUILDING, 239 N Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201
Contact information:
Grenaye Sullivan
6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2021-11-18 12:00, 2021-12-16 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.
Join here >>

COVID-19 Vaccines for School-Aged Children: What Parents Should Know
2021-11-18 19:00
Please join the U.S. Department of Education for an informational webinar following the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech age 5-11 vaccine.
During the webinar, representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics will address common concerns among parents and families about the COVID-19 vaccine for their child(ren) ages 5-11.
This is an opportunity for families to express concerns, ask questions and discuss how to sustain safe operations in schools.
Register in advance for this meeting here!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Promoting Positive Behavior in Your Child
2021-11-22 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent and training information center
Effective discipline is essential to raising children who have self-control, behave well with peers and adults, and choose to avoid risky behaviors. Join us as we discuss PRACTICAL, POSITIVE, and PROACTIVE ways to achieve this with your child.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here >>

Joint Planning Council Meeting
2021-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/255710061

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 255-710-061

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/255710061

Download the Agenda here >>
Download the Meeting Minutes from Aug. 12 here>>

Records and Record Keeping
2021-11-23 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent and Training Information Center
What records are important? What is FERPA? How do I request copies of my child’s records? How do I stay organized? How long should it take to get the copies I requested? These are five commonly asked questions when parents get ready to attend IEP meetings. This presentation will provide answers and links to other resources.
Presented by: Leslie Junkin, Project Director, MSPTI
Register here>>

Families Aging with Mental Health and Substance Use
2021-12-01 12:00 - 14:00
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center of Excellence

Join us for a rich presentation and discussion with a national expert in aging and a parent/caregiver expert on families with the lived experience caring for an older adult who struggles with mental illness.
This webinar will focus on understanding the unique needs of this vulnerable population, the needs of their caregivers, and the concerns and challenges they face. Our goal is to provide valuable information, resources and tools to both caregivers and support professionals that will help ensure older adults with mental health needs live full lives with the best outcomes possible.
This free event is made possible through SAMHSA funding, which requires data collection and reporting. The questions included in our registration form are a requirement of our funding.

Register here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2021-12-02 12:00, 2022-01-06 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.
Join here>>

Getting Candid: Youth Mental Wellbeing Q&A
2021-12-02 15:00 - 17:00
Hosted by the Youth Ambassadors, the Youth Mental Wellbeing Q&A aims to provide youth and youth-serving providers with access to board-certified psychiatrists to get accurate, science-based information about youth substance use and mental health. Visit bit.ly/GettingCandid to submit your anonymous questions about alcohol and other drug use, and youth mental wellbeing. Your questions will be answered by Dr. Mark Edelstein and Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe in a live event on December 2, 4:00-4:45pm EST.

Register here >>

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-12-08 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel
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.
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]
Join here >>

The Impact of CCBHCs: How the CCBHC Model is Transforming Patient Care and Staff Training
2021-12-08 12:00
Relias and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Since 2017, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program has significantly improved access to quality mental health and addiction care in community-based settings. Today, there are more than 430 CCBHCs operating in 40 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam.
With a growing number of states moving to implement the model – similar to other value-based or alternative payment models – independently via state plan amendment or Medicaid waiver, how can clinics seize the opportunity to leverage CCBHC status and funding to enhance staff training and clinical operations.Learning objectives:
• Why states are turning to the CCBHC model as the ‘gold standard of delivery system transformation.
• Opportunities the CCBHC model presents for clinics – and highlights on how the eight original demonstration states have transformed behavioral health systems.
• How clinics can improve staff training on the required CCBHC certification criteria, including trauma-informed care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), substance-use disorder, and crisis prevention.

Register here >>

Getting Candid: Framing the Conversation around Youth Substance Use Prevention
2021-12-09 12:30
Sixty-eight percent of youth surveyed in a national assessment identified health care providers as the most trusted messengers for conversations on substance use prevention – highlighting a provider’s critical role in preventing substance use. Yet, engaging young people in conversations related to health behaviors, especially substance use, can be challenging, even for trained professionals.
This webinar will review findings from the National Council’s Youth Substance Use & Message Development During COVID-19 initiative to prepare providers to deliver youth substance use prevention messages.
Attendees will learn how to:
• Identify the impact of COVID-19 on youth mental wellbeing and substance use.
• Recognize the discrepancies in perceptions of youth versus adult provider of impactful prevention communication.
• Build rapport and trust with youth in delivering messages and discussing health related behaviors.
• Frame conversations and deliver impactful substance use prevention messages to youth.

Register here >>

COVID-19 Vaccines for School-Aged Children: What Parents and Families Should Know
2021-12-09 19:00 - 20:00
NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Education

During this time of thanksgiving, we are so grateful that the large majority of schools are fully opened for in-school experiences. As yet another step in providing a safe in-school experience for students, children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive vaccinations specifically formulated for young children. With that in mind, it is the goal of NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Ed provide parents and practitioners with the latest research and information so parents are able to make the best decision they can around vaccinating their children. This webinar is a unique opportunity for parents and family engagement practitioners to ask questions, share their ideas and concerns, and to get their questions answered.
Please join NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Education on December 9 at 8:00pm, ET for an informational webinar following the official approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech age 5-11 vaccine. During the webinar, panelists including United States Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, along with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, will join NAFSCE Executive Director, Vito Borrello for a series of presentations and constructive conversation to support parents and families as they consider the COVID-19 vaccine for their child(ren).
● How was the vaccine developed?
● How many children participated in the study for approval?
● Will my child(ren) be safe taking the vaccine?
● What are the side effects?
● Should my child(ren) get the vaccine?
● Where can I take my child to get the vaccine?
Parents are invited to submit questions about the vaccine on the registration form. Pre-submitted questions will help plan the content of the session. Time will also be reserved for live questions and answers at the end of the event.

Register here>>

Mississippi Division of Medicaid - Medical Care Advisory Committee Meeting
2021-12-10 13:00
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
The Medical Care Advisory Committee is mandated in federal law to advise the Division of Medicaid. By law, the committee must include Board-certified physicians and other representatives of the health professions who are familiar with the medical needs of low-income population groups; members of consumers’ groups, including Medicaid beneficiaries, and consumer organizations, and the director of the public welfare department or the public health department. The committee will meet December 10, 2021 – 1:00 PM at the Woolfolk Building – Conference Room 145 501 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

See meeting agenda here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-12-15 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 third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.

Join here >>

Virtual Event: Grand Connections: A New Program to Support Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren Under 5
2021-12-15 13:00 - 14:00
ZERO TO THREE
In the absence of accessible and affordable options for working families, grandparents have increasingly become the cornerstone of early child care in the U.S. One out of four children under 5 years old is cared for by a grandparent while a parent works or goes to school. The number of multigenerational families (three or more generations living in the same household) is up. The number of families in which grandparents are raising grandchildren has jumped up as well.
Join ZERO TO THREE for this webinar describing the joys and challenges of grandparents caring for young grandchildren and learn about the new, one-of-a-kind curriculum we’ve designed to meet grandparents’ needs. Seven 90-minute workshops provide a chance for grandparents to connect and learn from each other, explore the latest child-rearing advice, and develop strategies for collaborating with their adult children on child care. Each workshop also includes a 30-minute picture book and activity grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
Learners will be able to:

Describe the needs of grandparents caring for grandchildren under 5.
Inspect the Grand Connections workshop materials designed to meet grandparents’ needs.
Justify the time/staffing/funding needed to run a Grand Connections program at their site.

Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2021-12-16 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.

MEETING LOCATION-in person
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street
Jackson MS 39201
CONTACT INFORMATION
Grenaye Sullivan 6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2021-12-16 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 meeting can be viewed via live stream.

Date: 10 a.m., December 16, 2021
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Positive Solutions for Families of Young Children with Challenging Behaviors
2021-12-20 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Has life with your young child become filled with conflict and confusion? Does it seem as if the simplest activity can quickly turn into disaster when your child’s behavior is out of control? You are not alone!
Many, if not most, parents find themselves struggling with behavior at some point. The good news is that there are evidence based, effective strategies (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports -PBIS) that you can use to create POSITIVE and LASTING solutions for your family.
Register here >>

Free Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) Seminar I
2022-01-10 - 2022-01-12
Presented by Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
The course is for anyone who wants to learn about WRAP® and begin to incorporate it into their life to improve personal wellness and achieve an improved quality of life. Interactive workshop. Through participation, people can identify tools and action plans to counter the negative effects of life challenges and improve responses to disturbing thoughts and feelings to achieve improved states of wellness.
Two locations to choose from:
January 10 – 11 at Hinds Behavioral Health System, 8am – 5pm both days.
January 11 – 12 at North MS State Hospital, 8am – 5pm both days.
Access the registration file (PDF).

Navigating the IEP: Part 1
2022-01-12 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
As a parent, the IEP process can often seem like a maze. There are so many parts to the process it’s often overwhelming. Join us for part one in a series that will help you understand how to navigate this journey.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2022-01-12 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 pm. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.

Join here >>

School-Based Suicide Prevention
2022-01-14 13:00 - 14:30
National Institute of Mental Health
This webinar – hosted by the National Institute of Mental Health – will provide an opportunity for diverse stakeholders, including school administrators, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, to learn about new and innovative practices in school-based suicide prevention, with a particular focus on risk identification, follow up, and referral for additional services for high-risk youth. In addition to describing the programs, presenters will also discuss preliminary research efforts and/or challenges, as well as ways to overcome common barriers to implementing suicide prevention in schools, including data collection and evaluation.
The workshop is free to attend and will be viewable via zoom webinar.
Register here >>

Presenters
NIMH
Lynsay Ayer, PhD, Suicide Prevention Program Consultant
Belinda Sims, PhD, Training Director of Division of Services and Intervention Research
Baltimore City Public Schools
Stacey Davis, MS, Coordinator of Media and Instructional Technology
Holly Wilcox, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Akil Hamm, Chief of Police, Baltimore City Public Schools
Detroit City and Washtenaw County, MI Public Schools
Natalie Rodriguez-Quintana, PhD, Research Fellow
Jill Paladino, MPH, Program Lead
Robin Jacob, PhD, Associate Research Professor, School of Education, University of Michigan
Boston Public Schools
Shella Dennery, PhD, Director, Boston Children’s Neighborhood Partnerships Program
Andria Amador, EdD, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services
Presenter Biographies
Who Should Attend
Researchers, mental health clinicians and practitioners, school administrators, and members of the public interested in school-based suicide prevention.
