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promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
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Welcome to rtcUpdates for September 2003!

rtcUpdates are brought to you by the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health. Subscribers to rtcUpdates receive occasional email messages from the RTC containing information about the RTC's recent research, publications, and other activities, as well as information about developments in the field of Children's Mental Health.

Feel free to forward this message to friends and colleagues. If this email was forwarded to you, you will need to subscribe to rtcUpdates in order to receive future emails. To subscribe to rtcUpdates, go to the RTC home page at http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/ and click on the "Join our List!" link.

CONTENTS OF THIS UPDATE:
** FORUMS--Post Your Opinions
** FOCAL POINT--Summer Issue Online
** RTC PUBLICATIONS & PRODUCTS--Recently Produced & Newly Available Downloads
** DATA TRENDS--Recent Research Summaries
** FROM THE WEB--Online Information and Sites of Interest

** FORUMS

This month's Featured Discussion is entitled "Making child care work for families of children with emotional or behavioral challenges." What does it take to provide high quality, inclusive child care for children with challenging behavior? What have your child care experiences been? We invite you to post your opinions and stories.
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgFeaturedDiscussions.php

July's forum asked for input on how to increase the impact of workshops, trainings, and presentations. Read the comments posted on this topic.
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgFeaturedDiscussionsEight.php

Access all discussions from http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgForums.shtml

** FOCAL POINT

* Summer, 2003 Issue: Cultural Competence, Strengths and Outcomes NEW! ONLINE ONLY Articles in the Summer issue of Focal Point include:
* Youth Clinical Outcomes: Does Race/Ethnicity Matter?
* Implementing Culturally Competent Research Practices: Identifying Strengths of African-American Communities, Families, and Children
* Cultural Competence in Services to Children and Families
* A Challenge to Professionals: Developing Cultural Reciprocity with Culturally Diverse Families
* Assessing Behavioral and Emotional Strengths in Black Children: A Measure Designed by and for Blacks

To read and download these and other Focal Point articles, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgFocalPoint.shtml

* Fall, 2003 Issue COMING SOON...
The Fall 2003 issue of Focal Point will focus on quality and fidelity in Wraparound (also called Individualized Service/Support Planning or ISP).

If you are not already on our print mailing list and would like to receive the Fall 2003 issue and future issues, please add your name to our mailing list using the "Update or join our mailing list" link from the FOCAL POINT page on our website or if you already receive FOCAL POINT and your address has changed, please update your contact information. http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgFocalPoint.shtml

** RTC PUBLICATIONS & PRODUCTS

Enhanced Online Search Feature!
The RTC has an enhanced publications search and order form. Search by key phrases, type of publication, author, date of publication, and more.
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

* Publications Recently Produced:

NEW! Walker, J.S., Koroloff, N. & Schutte, K. (2003). Implementing high-quality collaborative Individualized Service/Support Planning: Necessary conditions. Portland, OR: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, Portland State University.
Available to download for FREE! Or order at $10.00/printed copy from our publications page: http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php (search by author or title). OR download from the Teamwork in Practice project page: http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgProjTeamwork.php (click on "Latest Updates")

Schutte, K., Jivanjee, P., Robinson, A. & Koroloff, N. (2003). Families in the world of evaluation: The evaluation of the national Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Course I, "How to Understand Evaluation." Portland, OR: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, Portland State University.
Available to download for FREE! Or order at $4.50/printed copy from our publications page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php (search by author or title) or send an e-mail request to rtcpubs@pdx.edu.

Walker, J. & Schutte, K. (2003). Individualized Service/Support Planning (ISP) and Wraparound: Research Bibliography. Portland, OR: Portland State University, Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health.
Available to download for FREE! from our publications page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php (search by author or title). OR download from the Teamwork in Practice project page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgProjTeamwork.php (click on "Latest Updates")

* Publications recently available to download for FREE! (previously produced):

Brennan, E.M., Ama, S.M. & Gordon, L.J. (2002). Inclusion of children with emotional or behavioral challenges in child care settings: An observational study. Portland, OR: Portland State University, Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health.
(Available through ERIC under citation number ED469398). NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE! Search by author or title on our new publications page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

Longley, M. J., & Blankenship, K. (1998). Benefits of Statewide Family Networks for children's mental health: Voices of family members. Portland, OR: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, Portland State University.
NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE! Search by author or title on our new publications page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

Walker, J. S. (2000). Caregivers speak about the cultural appropriateness of services for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Portland, OR: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, Portland State University.
NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE! Search by author or title on our new publications page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

* More Publications Available in PDF Format:

The RTC has added over two hundred "PDFs" of our publications to our main publications page. Now you can download and print out more of our Conference Proceedings, Monographs, Focal Point articles, Data Trends, and other publications for free. http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

** DATA TRENDS--Recent Research Summaries Include:

* Family-centered practice: How social workers view parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders (#82)
* Explaining the Gap Between Mental Health Need and Service Use (#81)
* Impact of Support on Adolescent Mental Health (#80)
* Family Perspectives on Having a Child with a Disability (#79)
* Students with Disabilities and Inclusion in Schools (#78)
* Adolescent Help-Seeking Behavior: Role of the Internet (#77)
* Community-Based Interventions for Affective Disorders (#76)
* Evaluating systems of care for youth: Effectiveness, equity and efficiency (#75)

Visit our "Data Trends" web page at http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgDataTrends.shtml

New! You can also search for and download all Data Trends from our newly updated Publications web page http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPublications.php

Search Tips:
* For a list of all Data Trends, choose "Data Trends" as Publication Type and click "Get"
* For specific Data Trends topics type a keyword or phrase in "Phrase"

** FROM THE WEB--Online Information and Sites of Interest

** President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
The White House has released the final report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The report includes a series of goals that form the foundation for transforming mental health care in America.
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/reports.htm

** Steering Committee Formed to Explore New Directions for Disability & Rehabilitation Research
In June 2003, the U.S. Education Department announced the appointment of a steering committee to assist the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in developing a plan for disability and rehabilitation research for the next five years. The plan will emphasize disability demographics research, technology for access and function, employment and health, and basic functioning to help people with disabilities live the independent, productive lives they desire.
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2003/06/06122003.html

** Mental Health Parity Legislation
The article "The Current and Future State of Mental Health Parity Legislation," published in the Summer 2003 issue of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, highlights existing federal and state laws and explains why federal action to expand the Mental Health Parity Act and remove the disparity in insurance coverage is so critical to people with mental illnesses.
http://www.bu.edu/prj/summer2003/kjorstad.html

** Factors Influencing the Placement of Children to Obtain Mental Health Services
In a report generated by the General Accounting Office, it is estimated that in fiscal year 2001, parents placed over 12,700 children in child welfare or juvenile justice systems so they could receive mental health services. Many are adolescents with multiple problems and behaviors that threaten the safety of themselves or others. Agencies say that reducing costs, improving access, and expanding the range of mental health services for teens could help reduce the need for some child welfare or juvenile justice placements.
http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d03865thigh.pdf

** Latest Findings in Children's Mental Health
According to findings of a 1997 survey, conducted by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), many teenagers with severe and complex emotional disturbances are found in residential care programs rather than psychiatric hospitals. Often, these are "system kids" who are shuttled in and out of temporary placements in various child-serving agencies. This study will help policy makers, providers, and child advocates understand the needs of these neglected youth.
http://www.ihhcpar.rutgers.edu/downloads/summer2003.pdf

** Strategic Use of Federal Entitlements for Children's Access to Mental Health Services
This report, published by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, informs practitioners, attorneys, and advocates how to obtain services and supports needed by children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Suggestions for the strategic use of the two statutes by advocates are included.
http://bazelon.org/newsroom/8-27-03teamingup.htm

** Testing Drug Dosages and Effectiveness for Children
On July 23, the Senate passed bipartisan-supported legislation allowing the Food and Drug Administration to require pharmaceutical companies to test the safety, proper dosage and effectiveness of their drugs on children. This reinstates a federal regulation struck down by a federal court in October 2002. The bill now moves to the House where a vote is expected soon. This update on the legislation is provided by kaisernetwork.org.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?hint=3&DR_ID=19022

A related report from the same organization describes a voluntary FDA program that encourages pharmaceutical companies to test the safety and effectiveness of their products in children. According to FDA researchers, the program has helped improve the safety of medications for children.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?hint=3&DR_ID=19455

** Briefs for Families on Evidence-Based Practices
The Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice has published a series of information briefs on research-based intervention practices and programs for children with behavioral problems. A variety of topics such as behavioral planning meetings, promoting resilience in children, and alternative schools are discussed.
http://cecp.air.org/familybriefs/

** Federal Actions Can Assist States in Improving Postsecondary Outcomes for Youth
According to research, youth with disabilities are less likely than non-disabled peers to transition successfully into postsecondary education and employment. The US General Accounting Office (GAO) has recently released a report addressing this issue. GAO was asked by Congress to focus on IDEA student proportions, transition problems, and types of transition services. Recommendations follow the findings.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-773.

** IDEA '97 Transition Requirements Guide: Supplementary Materials
The Western Regional Resource Center at the University of Oregon has produced a series of new resources to help families, schools, districts, and states understand the transition requirements specified in IDEA '97.
http://interact.uoregon.edu/wrrc/transitiondocument.html

** Collaboration Between General and Special Education: Making it Work
This issue brief from the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition describes the skills and strategies that are needed to meet the challenges of providing access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities. One strategy suggested in this brief is greater collaboration between general and special education teachers to facilitate this access. A five-step model for implementing collaborative relationships is outlined and further resources for practitioners are provided.
http://ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=1097

** High Schools With Authentic and Inclusive Learning Practices: Selected Features and Findings
This Research to Practice brief from NCSET describes major findings of a study on authentic and inclusive learning practices at four high schools. Authentic learning practices involve students in using disciplined inquiry to construct in-depth knowledge for themselves and others, and inclusive learning refers to the use of developmentally and individually appropriate accommodations and supports. Implications and challenges presented by the study's findings are also discussed.
http://ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=1096

** SAMHSA Releases Reports on Public and Private Sector Financing of Mental Health Services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in July released three reports that examine public and private sector financing of mental health services:

1) "The Provision of Mental Health Services in Managed Care Organizations," provides an in-depth update about provision of mental health services under managed care, and an understanding of mental health services provided to privately insured enrollees, is available free from SAMHSA (publication # SMA03-3797). Order by phone at 1-800-789-2647 or online at:
http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx

2) "Medical Necessity in Private Health Plans: Implications for Behavioral Health Care." This report addresses how the term "medical necessity" is defined in private health insurance coverage decisions. This report includes a summary review of the literature, an extensive review of legal cases that challenge insurer decisions, materials prepared by the insurance industry, consultation with experts in the field, and more.
http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/SMA03-3790/default.asp

3) "Medicaid Financing of State and County Psychiatric Hospitals." This report addresses the lack of comprehensive information regarding the nature and scope of Medicaid support for individuals in psychiatric institutions. The study identifies potential sources of Medicaid funds paid on behalf of public psychiatric hospitals, and provides an estimate of the amount of such funds in 2001.
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA03-3830/default.asp

** New NIH Loan Repayment Programs Repay Student Loans for Health Researchers
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs offer up to $35,000 per year to repay student loans of scientists, physicians, dentists, and other health professionals willing to commit to a career in clinical, pediatric, health disparities or contraception and infertility research. Applicants must have doctoral-level degrees and commit to spend at least 50% of their time for two years conducting qualified research. The online application opens September 1 and closes December 31, 2003. For program information and to apply online, go to: http://www.lrp.nih.gov/

** How Children are Doing: The Mismatch Between Public Perception and Statistical Reality
A series of polls were conducted by Child Trends and the Annie E. Casey Foundation to get a better understand of what American adults know about how children in the U.S. are faring. The results of these polls, summarized in this research brief, suggest that the public is generally misinformed and unaware of progress made during the last decade. Such gaps in the public's knowledge underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to provide basic and accurate information about America's children.
http://www.childtrends.org/PDF/PublicPerceptionsRB.pdf

** Housing for People with Disabilities in the U.S. is in Crisis
A study, conducted by the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and the Technical Assistance Initiative, reveals that there is a huge gap between housing costs and the incomes of the poorest Americans with disabilities, with 2002 being the first year when the average national rent was greater than the amount of income received by Americans with disabilities from the deferral Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Many people with disabilities are now "priced out" of the rental housing market.
http://www.c-c-d.org/od-May03.htm

** NCD Says Employment for People with Disabilities Remains Far Too Low
A progress report, released by the National Council on Disabilities (NCD), describes roadblocks to advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the nation. Despite reforms in disability policy, lack of affordable accessible housing, transportation, personal assistance services, medical rehabilitation and job opportunities continue to frustrate Americans with disabilities. Federal policy activities are reviewed, progress noted, and further recommendations are made to the Federal Government in this extensive report.
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/progressreport_final.html

** Child and Family Services Review
On August 18, the US Department of Health and Human Services released the results of its Child and Family Services Review, which attempts to measure how well children are faring across state child welfare systems. Of the 32 states so far assessed, 14 failed all seven measures of child well-being, safety, and permanency, and no state passed more than two measures. Executive summaries and final reports for each participating state can be accessed at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwrp/staterpt/

** Drug-Related Emergency Room Visit Trends
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released new figures from its Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). The report, covering 1995-2002, describes drug-related emergency room visit trends for: major and other substances abuse, demographic characteristics of patients treated, and characteristics of the episodes themselves. A discussion of results concludes the report.
http://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/pubs_94_02/edpubs/2002final/

Funds to support this activity come from the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, Federal Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education.

The Research and Training Center makes its products accessible to diverse audiences. If you need a publication or product in an alternative format, please contact the Publications Coordinator: 503.725.4175, rtcpubs@pdx.edu.

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Last Modified: 27-09-2003 13:41:14