ACMH Fall 2015 Staff/Board Retreat Wesley Woods Retreat Center ACMH Basics Review, Refresh & Renew!

Today’s Learning Objectives Review & Refresh with an Overview of the ACMH Basics.. Who we are: ACMH values, beliefs and Code of Ethics Brief Overview of ACMH Projects including: Federally Funded Projects State Funded Projects County Funded Projects Grant or Contract Funded Activities Foundation supported Activities What we do and more importantly how we do it “The ACMH Approach”

Take the ACMH scavenger hunt handout and partner up with one other staff member Take 15 minutes to answer as many questions as you can- HINT- the ACMH website is your friend As we go through the power-point give your self a point for the ones you found and add information you didn’t already have ACMH Scavenger Hunt Activity

All Michigan children & youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and their families live in a safe, welcoming community with access to needed services and supports. ACMH’s Mission

Who is ACMH? The Basics: ACMH is a Statewide Non-Profit Family Organization ~ ACMH is dedicated to families! Purpose: ACMH exists to bring help and hope to to families of Michigan children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health disorders What We Do: ACMH provides information, support, resources, referral and advocacy for children and youth with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, their families and the communities that support them. Who We Serve: Families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral & mental health challenges across Michigan.

Who ‘Is’ ACMH? 6 Additional Key Points 1. Family ~ Staff, Board Members 2. The Premier Voice of Advocacy for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families in Michigan! 3. MI’s Chapter of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. 4. MI’s Federally funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) to serve as the Statewide Family Network for Michigan. 5. The Training & Coordinating Partner for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s Parent Support Partner and Youth Peer Support Projects. 6. A statewide and community partner to child and family serving systems; working to improve services and supports to the families we serve and to ensure that family voice continues to be key in systems change efforts!

Services & Supports ACMH Provides: Parent & Youth Involvement & Leadership Opportunities Education, Training and Networking Opportunities for families, youth and communities partners Information and Referral via..toll-free hotline, website, in-person Parent-to-Parent Support both formally (PSP) & Informally Youth Peer-to- Peer Project Training & Coordination Public Awareness Activities Training Events such the ACMH Annual Conference, Statewide and Regional Training, Leadership Camps, and other Special Events Outreach and Systems Advocacy Family Support Groups Assistance & Advocacy

ACMH Believes: That families are the true ‘expert’ about their children’s mental health needs and the treatment and supports will work best for their family. That families should be equal partners with professionals in making decisions about their children’s mental health care. That mental health conditions are common, real and treatable and all children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges should have access to the supports and services they need in order to be successful in their home school and community. In Mental Health services and supports that are family driven,youth guided and community based.

ACMH Code of Ethics: We support families as equals with common experiences rather than as an expert with all the answers We commit to welcoming all families and honoring our differences We respect the right of each family to make their own choices We take responsibility for understanding and clarifying our role as both a ACMH staff member/Family Advocate/PSP and a family member of a child with mental health challenges or a young person with lived experience We protect the confidentiality of families and the information that they share We commit to compassionate, honest communication We commit to non-judgmental, respectful attitudes and behavior We foster meaningful relationships between families and community partners We build collaborative community partnerships to enhance the quality of care for children and families We tell our own story when it can help other families and community partners We are committed to assertive advocacy, which supports successful outcomes for children and families

Federal Grants State Contracts Local Partnerships Foundation Funding/Support ACMH Projects

ACMH Projects Basics ACMH receives funding and support from federal, state and local sources through grants and contracts to do a variety of activities and projects to help improve outcomes for families of children and youth with mental health challenges. We work to ensure that all projects we are involved in furthers or enhances ACMH’s mission and are in line with the ACMH Code of Ethics & Values. Our partners entrust us to complete the work in a way that adheres to their mission and goals and improves outcomes for kids and families.

ACMH Federally Funded Activities

Michigan’s Statewide Family Network Funded by SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Federal Agency) since 1998 The purpose of Statewide Family Network grants is to enhance the capacity of States to: Be more oriented to the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Have active family organizations dedicated to promoting systems of care. Create empowered family networks to participate in state and local mental health services planning and health care reform activities to improve community-based services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families.

Current SAMHSA Goals 1. Develop and support family leaders throughout Michigan to effectively work to improve services and support to children and youth with serious emotional disturbance. 2. Enhance and expand the statewide network of highly qualified family member staff and the infrastructure 3. Provide focused outreach and community education to increase public awareness of Children’s Mental Health & Health Care Reform 4. Support continued transformation of child serving systems including mental health, child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and public health 5. Enhance youth guided practices throughout Michigan by promoting youth engagement, involvement and leadership opportunities.

SAMHSA supported opportunities for families, youth, community members, partners & staff ACMH Annual Conference ACMH Parent Leadership & Camp ACMH Youth Leadership Event ACMH Staff Retreats & Training Activities On-going training and networking opportunities for families & ACMH staff Support to create a strong core group of family advocates/parent support partners Parent Listserv, ACMH Website, Other electronic resources

ACMH is Michigan’s Statewide Chapter of the: Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health A national family-run organization that serves to: Provide advocacy at the national level for the rights of children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges and their families Provide leadership and technical assistance to a nation-wide network of family run organizations Collaborate with family run and other child serving organizations to transform mental health care in America Unfunded***

Association for Children’s Mental Health ACMH State Funded Projects

Family Advocacy Project (FAP) Funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services(MDHHS) Purpose- Build and maintain a statewide support, education and advocacy network for families of children with serious emotional disturbance. Facilitate family and youth involvement with service providing organizations, interagency groups, collaborative bodies and system reform activities will be facilitated through advocacy, education, training and support.

FAP Goals & Objectives Increase family and youth support opportunities, leadership development, and community education about children’s mental health. Increase access to Family Advocacy Support and parent education to underserved families in all areas of the state Increase and support Family Advocate skills to provide consistent, quality support, involvement, and resources to families in target areas of state Support youth advocacy and involvement through participation in and support of a statewide Youth Advisory Council Develop Youth Leadership across the state Develop on-line presence through ACMH website ‘Youth Page’ and social media efforts

FAP Project Community Education & Collaboration Goal Provide community partners, providers, and policy/decision makers with education about engaging families and youth in systems of care efforts, engage system partners in collaborative efforts on behalf of youth with mental health needs and their families, provide voice, expertise and access to family experiences and members for statewide planning, implementation and evaluation of systems of care efforts and systems reform activities.

Family Advocacy Project Activities Individual Advocacy Parent/Family Support, Education & Training Youth Development Statewide Youth Advisory Collaboration/Networking with local service providers CMH, DHS, schools, courts, and relevant private agencies Participate on inter-agency collaborative bodies Systems Advocacy- serve on state and local boards and committees Community Education & Awareness Staff Development

Michigan’s Parent Support Partner Project Partner Statewide Initiative Partner: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services ACMH helped shape and create the project and training curriculum ACMH provides project coordination, certification training and on- going coaching and support to PSP’s and the Project Statewide Parent Support Partner Coordinator ~ Amy Shears PSP Lead Trainer ~ Mary Beth Seefelt

Basics of the PSP Project & ACMH’s Role ACMH is the Statewide Coordinator & Training Partner for the project and provides certification, training and ongoing coaching, supervision, support and technical assistance. The Parent Support Partner (PSP) service is State Plan service that takes an intervention-based approach to support families whose children receive services through a community mental health service provider. The Purpose of the Parent Support Partner Project or service is to increase family involvement and engagement within the mental health treatment process and to equip parents with the skills necessary to address the challenges of raising a youth with special needs thus improving outcomes for youth with SED, serious emotional disturbance or intellectual/developmental or I/DD, involved with the public mental health system.

Who Provides the PSP Service? The PSP service is provided by trained parent with first-hand experience navigating public child serving agencies and raising a child with mental health or developmental challenges; who has the ability to: Use personal experiences and knowledge to expand opportunities for family choice and voice Partner and engage parents and professionals Be an active member of the treatment team who is included in service planning, implementation, and transition process

What do Parent Support Partners do? Provide peer delivered support to parents of youth with SED/IDD in the public mental health system Facilitate access to services Provide a source of credible information Demonstrate effective communication & collaboration Assist with systems navigation Teach skills to effectively manage the day-to-day challenges of raising youth with SED and I/DD Work individually with families who need additional supports and skill building to reach their goals Provide information to the family so they can make informed choices on what is best for their child and family Provide support and assist parents/family members to speak for themselves Provide education and training to and assist families in preparing for meetings regarding their child

Youth Peer Support Project Funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services(MDHHS) Youth Peer Support is a Medicaid state plan service designed to support youth with a serious emotional disturbance through shared activities and interventions. The goals of Youth Peer Support include: Supporting youth empowerment, Assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life Working collaboratively with others involved in delivering the youth’s care. Youth Peer Support services can be in the form of direct support, information sharing and skill building.

Youth Peer Support Medicaid Service The Youth Peer Support service is provided by trained youth peer support specialists, one-on-one or in a group, for youth with serious emotional disturbance who are resolving conflicts, enhancing skills to improve their overall functioning, integrating with community, school and family and/or transitioning into adulthood. This service provides support and assistance for youth in accordance with the goals in their plan of service.

Youth Peer Support Specialist Qualifications Young adult, ages 18 through age 26, with lived experience who received mental health services as a youth. Willing and able to self- identify as a person who has or is receiving public behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others. Experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child serving systems preferred (behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, etc.) Employed by PIHP/CMHSP or its contract providers. Trained in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services approved curriculum and ongoing training model.

ACMH Youth Peer Support Staff Statewide Youth Peer Support Coordinator: Krissy Dristy Youth Peer Support Lead Trainer: Sara Reynolds Welcome to ACMH Ladies!!

Gerstacker Flinn Foundation ACMH Foundation Supports

2 Flinn Grants- Support: 1. ACMH Administrative Support 2. ACMH’s ‘New’ Flinn Grant will provide funds for ACMH to: Build on the virtual community created through the new website by rebuilding, rebranding, and re-launching social media platforms supported by new and improved marketing and educational materials. The development of marketing and outreach materials including brochures and resource guides. The development of a public service announcement that will address the impact of stigma on children, youth, and families and the support and empowerment that ACMH can provide.

Local ACMH Work/Projects/Contracts Parent Support Partner Project Direct Service Site- Shiawassee County Oakland County Local Support ACMH/Family Guidance Parent Mentor Initiative at CEI Purpose- to utilize the services of experienced parents to assist families who are receiving services from Family Guidance Service in meeting their goals.

Association for Children’s Mental Health ACMH Advocacy Efforts & Priorities

ACMH is Michigan’s Statewide Voice for Children with Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Disorders ACMH works to educate the general public, federal, state and local legislators and other policymakers about the needs of children and youth with mental health challenges and their families ACMH’s systems change efforts focus the expansion of family-driven, youth guided, community based services and supports for children, youth and families. ACMH sits on many local and statewide committees and workgroups to advocate for the needs of families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges.

ACMH 2015 Advocacy Priorities: 1. Promote adequate home and community-based services for children with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges, including transition services. 1. Promote mental health/juvenile justice collaboration on behalf of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges. 1. Promote delivery of appropriate educational services for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges.

General Principals that Guide ACMH’s Policy Priorities: ACMH Believes that: All children deserve access to appropriate mental health services that meet their individual child and family’s needs. Mental health services and supports should be family driven and youth guided: Family Driven means that families have a primary decision making role in the care of their own children as well as the policies and procedures governing care for all children in their community, state, tribe, territory and nation. Youth Guided means that youth are supported in becoming advocates for themselves and having a voice that is heard. Youth’s perspective is solicited, valued, and incorporated into their care. Family involvement is the key to the success in the work to improve systems!

ACMH participates in the following Advisory Boards or Community Collaboratives Behavioral Health Advisory Council Michigan Coalition for Children & Families MI Family-to-Family Health Information & Education Center Michigan Alliance for Families Advisory Council Foster Care Review Board Mental Health & Wellness Commission Stakeholders Group Michigan Association for Children’s Mental Health Boards Michigan’s Statewide Special Education Advocacy Committee Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency PAIMI Council (Michigan’s Protection and Advocacy Consumer Advisory Board) Family to Family Health Information Center Advisory Board Michigan Families Voices Advisory Council Etc….

ACMH Parent & Youth Activities

Local and Statewide Parent Leadership Camps, Series Youth Leadership Training Ongoing efforts to identify and recruit new parent & youth leaders to connect to leadership and advocacy roles in children’s mental health Training and education opportunities Networking opportunities for families and youth capacity for self and systems advocacy Training and technical assistance for local communities interested in creating local Parent Support Groups or other parent leadership opportunities in their community Upcoming: Statewide Youth Advisory Board in Michigan

Jane Shank Scenario Activity What Would Jane Do? If she was wearing her ACMH Hat?

All of You! Who is the Public Face of ACMH?

How can we enhance ACMH’s presence: Know the basics of ACMH Let the ACMH’s Code of Ethics guide you and your work Build strong working relationships with families & community partners. Speak up for the needs of families and youth Model & Encourage ACMH values and family driven, youth- guided and community based services for all families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges across Michigan!

How can you keep updated about ACMH activities and projects? Ask questions if there are things you don’t know or understand Participate in ACMH local and statewide activities and events Read ACMH Facebook & Listserv Posts Visit the website and staff portal regularly Talk regularly with your local and statewide co-workers