History of Family Leadership How Did We Get Here? Barbara Huff Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

In the Beginning Mid 1980’s Funding became available for the start up of several statewide family organizations through the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) Mid 1980’s The research and training centers on children’s mental health were funded (one in Florida and one in Oregon) Late 1980’s Funding became available through the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) to help sustain a few of the family organizations which were started with CASSP funding

Timeline 1988 Next Steps meeting in Arlington, VA. Family leaders met and determined another meeting would take place to begin conversations about starting a national organization. Eighteen family leaders met for one year to create a national organization 1989 The first conference was held in Arlington, VA to kick off the new national organization which was named the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Timeline 1992 The Federation of Families, after three years of volunteer efforts, received funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Urban Children’s Mental Health Initiative and we able to open their doors in Alexandria, VA The federal legislation was passed and funding was provided for four systems of care grants. The new RFP required family involvement, therefore new family leadership began to develop at the local level as well as some support for statewide leaders and organizations.

Timeline 2003 The first family leader is appointed to SAMHSA’s National Advisory Council All states other than South Dakota have a statewide family organization representing families who have children/youth with mental health needs.

The Environment Has Changed Start some place even if it is wrong Moving from passion to knowledge Moving from pain to power Misuse of power Risk taking for family leaders is more dangerous than ever before Plan for changes in leadership

Conclusion Contact information: Barbara Huff Family Outreach Coordinator Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health 2837 North Plumthicket Circle Wichita, Kansas Phone: (316)