MN Association for Children's Mental Health

Description

The Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH) was founded in 1989. MACMH’s mission is to promote positive mental health for all infants, children, adolescents and their families.

Our work is organized around the following goals:

• Educate the public to remove the stigma and barriers associated with children’s mental health disorders.
• Educate families about the multiple systems that serve children with these disorders and help them navigate these complex systems.
• Provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to develop the skills required to effectively care for and advocate for their children.
• Inform and educate professionals about children’s mental health.
• Advocate for the timely and appropriate delivery of services to children with mental health disorders.
• Provide programs and advocate for services that meet the unique needs of parents from culturally specific communities.
• Identify and address major barriers and gaps in services.

To achieve these goals we provide referrals and trainings that build understanding of the multiple systems that serve children and how parents can navigate them effectively. MACMH also trains professionals by presenting current research as evidence-proven techniques that can be put directly into practice. A large annual conference, a range of publications, and an informational website add to the organization’s impact. MACMH is recognized by families and professionals as the state’s primary resource for children’s mental health.

MACMH currently produces more than nine children’s mental health publications, an annual Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference drawing more than 1,200 participants and trainings and workshops that have served over 3000 professionals and parents in 2009. Products (publications, training, and workshops) have been developed which are considered "leading edge" in understanding, addressing, and supporting children’s mental health challenges. With new knowledge and skills professionals and parents enhance the quality of life and future success of children challenged by mental illness.