1. By Jo Turlington Jo.turlington@dmh.state.ms.us 601-359-1288

2.  Local interagency teams that provide children with SED and their families with resources and services within the community instead of “placement” in residential care.  MAP Teams meet on a monthly basis, usually at the same time and same location.

3.  Children/youth, birth-21 years with serious emotional/behavioral disturbances (SED).  At risk for an inappropriate 24-hour institutional placement due to lack of access of needed services in the community.  Transitioning back into the community from residential care or hospital.  At risk of homelessness and/or child welfare or youth court involvement.

4.  Comprehensive, incorporating a broad array of services  Individualized  Least Restrictive Setting  Coordination between system & service levels  Family & youth involvement  Early identification & intervention

5.  Information is shared  Informal relationships are built  Resources are found  Family’s needs are discussed  Community needs are addressed  Follow-through and follow-up is provided

6.  Membership must include: ◦ Mental health representative ◦ Local school district representative ◦ Youth court counselor/case worker ◦ Social worker (DHS) ◦ Local representative from Dept. of Rehabilitation ◦ Parent or family member with a child who has experienced an emotional disturbance ◦ Representative from local health department

7.  Other members include ◦ Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, CASA, Family First Resource Centers ◦ Local non-profits serving children and families ◦ Law enforcement ◦ Youth court or family court judges ◦ Pastors or other rep. from faith-based org./churches ◦ Representatives from Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities

8.  Children and their families receive traditional services plus non-traditional to include: mentoring, tutoring, medication, psychological evaluations, alcohol & drug testing and residential services, respite, behavioral incentives, summer camp fees, utility assistance, school uniforms, food assistance, transportation, training for members, personal care items, infant care items, translation services, etc.

9.  Currently 46 MAP teams (includes State Level MAP) serving 61 counties across the State  FY 2011 – approximately 1,000 children & families served  MAP Teams meet on a monthly basis and need YOUR help and participation!