Child and adolescent psychiatrists play a key role in service delivery for youth and families in the public sector; their ability to function as clinicians, advocates, and policy advisors in community mental health settings requires special knowledge and skills in collaborative partnership activities. Child and adolescent psychiatrists, along with other mental health and child serving professionals, need to be fluent in their capacities to engage with families and youth within the framework of collaborative care defined by Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) Guiding Principles and the system of care movement. Familiarity with the precepts of client-centered care and comfort with collaborative multi-person teamwork processes are requirements for optimal participation in system of care programming.

 

 

This program explores the clinical implications of these new partnerships for psychiatrists and other mental health providers. Participants gain exposure to knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enhance their ability to work with families and youth within a systems-based model. The program examines federal, family, youth, and clinician perspectives regarding the needs of children and families receiving services in public mental health systems.

 

Presentations from Gary Blau, Ph.D., Chief of the Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, Sandra Spencer, Executive Director of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, and various youth involved in systems-based services discuss the transformational goals and direction of the family and youth movement within the delivery of children’s mental health services. Peter Metz, M.D., Co-Principal Investigator for Worcester Communities of Care and Central Massachusetts Communities of Care, and Tanya Anderson, M.D., Medical Director, Child and Adolescent Services, Chicago, describe child psychiatric practice within a system of care model, highlighting augmentations and special considerations relevant to family-focused service delivery.

 

Following a series of didactic sessions, attendees participate in facilitated dialogue with local child-family team members to explore roles, responsibilities, and technical skills needed for effective partnership. Issues of collaboration, confidentiality, team functioning, and professional boundaries are addressed.

 

The cost of the program is $75 per member for pre-registrants (before September 15, 2008), $100 after and onsite (if available). Registration for medical students and residents is FREE, but participants must pre-register. The fee includes a continental breakfast and CME credits. You may register online at www.aacap.org/cs/2008SpecialProgram. Confirmations will be mailed to you within 3 weeks of receipt of your registration. Registrations received after September 15 may not receive a confirmation. Space is limited—register early! For further information about the program, please call Adriano Boccanelli at 202.966.7300, ext 133.

Sponsored by the AACAP Work Group on Community-Based Systems of Care for Children with Serious Emotional Disorders