The 28th Annual National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, November 9th to the 12th in Orlando, Florida was a tremendous success. It was amazing to have 650 attendees dedicated to family voice together in one place. There were representatives from 32 states as well as from Guam and Canada. How strong we are together. We were proud to have representatives from 46 of the National Federation’s chapters/affiliates in attendance this year. Your presence helped to make this event a great success and your enthusiasm and positive spirit helped make our time together both productive and fun

 

We want to say a special thank you to our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Emerald Sponsors – Anthem, Magellan Complete Care, Magellan Health, PAXIS Institute, MIKID, TUFF, Optum, Allegheny Family Network, University Behavioral Center and Central Florida Behavioral Health. As well as, thank you our Chapter Sponsors – Georgia Parent Support Network, F.A.C.T, Families as Allies, ASK Family Services, Federation of Families of Central Florida, Inc, Oregon Family Support Network, SPANN, ACMH and the Family Café. Without all your support, this wonderful event could not have happened.

 

On Thursday we had an incredible Pre-Conference day with three great day long sessions. Greg Dicharry and his fantastic team held a tremendous Youth Leadership Academy. Erin Roepcke provided a day long training on PAX Tools for Families. Tara Larson provided her expertise in Explore Funding, Certification, and Reciprocity for Parent/Family Peer Support.

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Our keynote speakers motivated, educated and inspired us. On Friday we opened the Conference with an update from Dr. Gary Blau, Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, Center for Mental Health Services about how the field of child, youth and family mental health is changing, adapting and evolving. Then Mike Veny got us on our feet about transforming stigma in youth. The Gallagher Sisters made us laugh on Saturday as the authors of “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid” introduced us to the Movement of Imperfection. On Sunday Morning we were inspired by the Youth Session, reminding us what it is all about. Our youth are AMAZING! A very special thank you to Greg Dicharry for pulling together the talent from the youth field.  

 

During the three day conference we had 159 presenters sharing their knowledge and experience in 87 different breakout session presentations. Thank you so very much to all our presenters for sharing your time and talents.



The planning has started for next year’s conference. Be working on your presentation proposals now.