The conference is for children, their families, and the mental health professionals that work with them. Among the topics that will be discussed are Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and how to work more effectively with the special education system.

“Families in attendance are going to find out that they are not alone. Frequently our parents, families, and kids feel isolated. Some tend to feel that they are the only ones in their population and communities experiencing these issues,” said Dee Drake, Alabama DMH/MR Mental Illness Division Coordinator of Child and Adolescent Services. “By coming together and meeting with other families also experiencing the same challenges, they are going to realize that they are not alone. There’s a healing component to the camaraderie, not to mention all of the other resources on site that will be available to them,” said Drake.

The conference will have presentations on prominent national issues such as the use of psychotropic medications and the need for a comprehensive continuum of services for children. Alabama DMH/MR Commissioner Kathy Sawyer will be on hand to present the official Children’s Mental Health Week proclamation that was issued by Governor Riley. Also, Alabama DMH/MR official Dee Drake will discuss the mental health services program benefits of the ALLKids Health Insurance plan.

For more information about the conference and registration call 1-877-834-0615.

RESOURCES

For further information regarding children’s mental health and mental health services, contact the Alabama DMH/MR Office of Children’s Services at (334) 353-7110 or visit www.mh.state.al.us.

For more information about the mental health benefits of the ALLKids Health Insurance program, please visit www.adph.org/allkids/ or contact Dee Drake at (334) 353-7832.