Events
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH ACTION WEEK CAMPAIGN
National Children's Mental Health Action Week (CMHAW) takes place during the first full week in May. As we celebrate CMHAW, the National Federation reaches out to you, in our shared vision for our nation’s children, youth and families. It is through our combined efforts that growth, renewal and the promotion of positive mental health will impact the well-being of our children. Our voices carry volumes in bringing about change. Speak out and be heard. Let our message ring in the ears of others: Children’s Mental Health Matters!
2026 has opened with unprecedented challenges for families whose loved ones experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. Across the country, we are witnessing a troubling resurgence of calls to return to mass institutionalization. This renewed push toward institutional care, driven by workforce shortages and gaps in effective treatment, threatens to reverse decades of progress. NFF believes the most powerful antidote to this trend is an informed, mobilized, and well‑supported network of families, community leaders, policymakers, and frontline professionals.
To this end, NFF is hosting its 37th Annual Conference: The Urgency of Now – Ending Isolation by Creating Effective Community Ecosystems on October 13-15th at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Florida. This gathering will bring together families, youth, advocates, researchers, and national leaders to confront the challenges ahead and strengthen the movement for community‑based care.
Our annual conference features many great workshops and speakers, joining hundreds of mental health and substance use advocates, family members, and professional from across the nation as we work to educate and advocate for families and their loved ones.
Our conference offers families and the workforce who support them to:
• Improve policy and enhance practices for families and their loved ones who have or are at risk of experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders
• Acquire skills and strategies that will improve outcomes for families
• Gain knowledge of best practices and latest research in mental health, substance use and related fields as it pertains to families
• Enrich understanding of different perspectives and common goals in support of all families
Who should attend?
Parents & Caregivers, Family Members, the Family Peer Support Workforce, Social Workers, Psychologists, Educators, Therapists, Nurses, Pediatricians, Counselors, Crisis Professionals, Corrections Workers, Policy-makers, Advocates, etc.
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