The Hispanic/Latino caucus is an informal group designed to identify and begin to address some of the unique needs of Latino/Hispanic child and adolescent psychiatrists, their patients, and their families. During the caucus we cover a number of areas affecting our patients, including the rising tone of xenophobia and discrimination affecting Latino youth in our nation, their increasing mental health disparities (such as depression and suicide in Latinas), increasing numbers of Latinos in the juvenile justice and child welfare system, and continued barriers to access to mental health services. We also discuss issues of concerns for young Latino child psychiatrists, such as career development, access to mentorship, and pathways for greater involvement in AACAP. We develop a list of key needs and concerns that inform current efforts to develop a Diversity Action Plan within AACAP (by the AACAP Diversity and Culture Committee), and discuss collaboration with Committee, the new AACAP Black Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Caucus, and the AACAP Council in developing educational, advocacy, and career development efforts. While the focus of the caucus group is on issues related to the Hispanic/Latino community, we appreciate that there are many child and adolescent psychiatrists who have an interest in and a passion for Latino/Hispanic issues. Any AACAP member is invited to attend this caucus.
Thursday, October 28, 2010: 5:15 PM-7:00 PM