Federation of Families of SC

US Department of Education Issues Resource Document That Discourages Restraint and Seclusion

jstitham — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:24:41 +0000

U.S. Department of Education Issues Resource Document that Discourages Restraint and Seclusion

May 15, 2012

Contact:

Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov

Today, the U.S. Department of Education issued a publication that outlines principles for educators, parents and other stakeholders to consider when developing or refining policies and procedures to support positive behavioral interventions and avoid the use of restraint and seclusion.

The goal of this resource document is to help ensure that schools are safe and healthy environments where all students can learn, develop and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement.

“As education leaders, our first responsibility must be to make sure that schools foster learning in a safe environment for all of our children and teachers,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “I believe this document is an important step toward this goal. I also want to salute leaders in Congress for their vigilance on this issue.”

The 15 principles that frame the document ultimately highlight how schoolwide behavioral interventions can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of restraint or seclusion. These guiding principles offer states, districts and other education leaders a framework for developing appropriate policies related to restraint and seclusion to ensure the safety of adults and children.

“Ultimately, the standard for educators should be the same standard that parents use for their own children,” Duncan added. “There is a difference between a brief time out in the corner of a classroom to help a child calm down and locking a child in an isolated room for hours. This really comes down to common sense.”

The document also provides a synopsis of ongoing efforts by federal agencies to address national concerns about using restraint and seclusion in schools, and includes links to state restraint and seclusion policies and procedures.

U_S_ Department of Education Issues Resource Document that Discourages Restraint and Seclusion U_S_ Department of Education

Financial Assistance for Children’s Health Care cost

jstitham — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:32 +0000

Families In Need of Financial Assistance for Their Child’s Healthcare Costs

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan.

Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website.

“The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is dedicated to improving a child’s health and quality of life by making it easier to access needed medical-related services. The grants enable families to focus on their children’s care instead of worrying about how they’ll pay their medical bills,” said Matt Peterson, president, UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. “Eligible families in need are encouraged to apply online for a medical grant today and take advantage of this valuable resource.”

In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy. As successful fund-raising efforts continue to grow, UHCCF is hoping to help more children and families in 2012.

Family-driven care training, May 24th, 2012, 9am-4pm.

jstitham — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:44:11 +0000

The importance of parent-professional collaboration in service provision for children with serious emotional, behavioral or mental health disorders. For more information please click on the link below.

Family Driven Care Flyer

Join us for Parent/Caregiver Leadership Training, May 18 & 19, 2012. See flyer for more information. If you are a parent wanting to strengthen your advocacy skills to benefit your family as well as helping others. Please join us for this free training.

dshaw — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:07:56 +0000

Parent Leadership Training

· Is your child challenging you and school officials?
· Does your child have difficulty at school? Is he/she frequently sent home or suspended?
· Do you suspect that your child has been using drugs, alcohol or some other stimulant?
· Has your child been diagnosed with an emotional or behavioral disorder?
· Does your child have frequent temper tantrums, and difficulty getting along with others?

Are you worried about your child’s behavior?

Do you feel like giving up and giving in?

These feelings are normal and you are not alone!

Parents need the support of others who understand what they are experiencing. Parent to parent support helps parents manage the day to day struggles and help them feel connected to other parents who have had similar experiences. Are you willing to support another parent in need?

The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health of South Carolina is providing a free Leadership Training that will help you be a stronger advocate, learn skills to provide support to other parents, or organize a parent support network in your community. The training will be held May 18-19, 2012, in Columbia, SC.

On DAY 1 (half day), we will have an overview and network with other parents with similar experiences. On DAY 2, we will explore the referral process, communicating, advocating, problem-solving, and understanding emotions.

Become a leader and help others as you help yourself!

Seating is limited.

Call 803-772-5210 or 866-779-0402 for additional information or to register.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week May 6th- 12th, 2012

jstitham — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:19:06 +0000

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK (CMHAW)- May 6-12

Check out the CMHAW information under the CMH Week tab on the bar above…

CMHAW 2012 Toolkit and Poster now available! Also information for ordering
green ribbons, pins and bracelets. Order now!!!

Plan a CMHAW event in your community and let us know about
it so that we can post it on the event calendar on our website!!!

Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) application deadline extended to May 1, 2012

dshaw — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:11:04 +0000

What is the South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum?

The SC Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is three-day program for students with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership potential in both their school and community. YLF is for high school juniors and seniors (or students between the ages of 17-21). By serving as delegates, students with disabilities will enhance and grow their leadership, citizenship, and social skills. There is no cost to delegates who attend.

The SC Youth Leadership Forum is implemented at the state level by state and local partners including PRO-parents, Inc., the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, the Continuum of Care, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, South Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council and the South Carolina Department of Education. This leadership forum is designed to assist youth with disabilities in further developing leadership skills and in utilizing resources that can help them face challenges that arise in becoming participating members of their communities.

Mark your calendars The 2012 SC Youth Leadership Forum will be held at Newberry College, July 11th-13th.

What happens at the Youth Leadership Forum?

Guest speakers
Small and large group discussions
Team building activities
Ropes course
Mentor luncheon
FUN!

What is the cost for students/delegates?

There is no charge to attend YLF. All meals are provided. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Newberry College.

How do I apply and what is the selection process?

1. To be eligible for the SC Youth Leadership Forum, students must:

(a) have a disability and live in South Carolina

(b) be in the 11^th or 12^th grade (or between the ages of 17-21) as of December 31, 2011.

2. Applicants must mail the completed application packet and reference forms to:

South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum

c/o PRO-Parents

652 Bush River Road, Suite 203

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

Application Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2012

3. Approximately 30 delegates will be selected to attend the forum. Additional detailed information on the forum will subsequently be provided to those selected to attend.

More information and the application can be found at:

http://www.scvrd.net/i_ylf.html

FUN DAY at The Park Postponed

jstitham — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:42:38 +0000

With much regret we must postpone the Fun Day at the Park for the Special Needs
Population schedule for Saturday, April 28 at Caughman Park. We will reschedule
the event and hopefully you will be a vital resource in making it a
success.

Thank you for all your support and effort in working with the
Special Needs Community.

If you or your child are a Medicaid recipient please read this important Message about your personal information:

jstitham — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:03:29 +0000

South Carolina medicaid agency announces improper release of beneficiary information.

Please click on the link below for an important message.

scdhhs-packet-important message

NIMH articles of interest for April & May

jstitham — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:54:24 +0000

HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND COMBAT STRESS

Experiencing stress as a result of combat is common. Open communication can help family members cope with challenges before, during, and after deployments. http://www.realwarriors.net/podcasts/episode011

For other articles of interst please click the link below

The Developing Brain: What It Means For Treating Adolescents

jstitham — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:29:43 +0000

In honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is hosting a panel of children’s mental health experts who will discuss research findings related to teen brain development, cognition, emotional and behavioral growth, and treatment.

The Developing Brain: What It Means For Treating Adolescents

When: May 10, 2012

2:00 to 4:00 PM EDT

Where: National Institute of Mental Health

6001 Executive Boulevard

Conference Rooms A1/A2

Rockville, Maryland 20852

Videocast:

This event will also be videocast live and archived for later viewing. Remote viewers will be able to submit questions and comments by email during the live event.

Register:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/childrens-mental-health-awareness-day/childrens-mental-health-awareness.shtml

Featured Panelists:

• Jay Giedd, M.D., is a practicing Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, adjunct Professor of Family and Reproductive Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Chief of Brain Imaging at the Child Psychiatry Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, NIMH.

• Anne Marie Albano, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at Columbia University and Director of the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Dr. Albano also treats patients and directs the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Columbus Circle in New York City, a cognitive behavioral therapy specialty clinic for children, adolescents, and adults.

• Jason Mathison, PsyD, MA, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He provides consultation for the PGCPS Department of Special Education to translate neuropsychological assessments into useful interventions for parents and school staff.