CFS Chair Robert Friedman Receives Award for
Leadership in Child Advocacy and Policy

The Division of Children, Youth, and Families of the American Psychological Association has given its highest award this year to Robert Friedman, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS) of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), University of South Florida. Friedman, in recognition of his national leadership role in supporting the development of systems of care to serve children with mental health challenges and their families, was selected to receive the Nicholas Hobbs Award, given to one psychologist each year by the Division in recognition of national leadership in child policy and advocacy.

APA is the largest scientific and professional organization in the United States with a membership of more than 150,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students.

"We are delighted this year to honor Robert M. Friedman," said Luis Vargas, Ph.D., past President of the Division of Children, Youth, and Families, who submitted the nomination. "He, and the Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health which he directs, are at the forefront of child and adolescent mental health research."

Friedman has been a Department Chair at USF since 1984, and the Research and Training Center which he leads has received funding from two federal agencies for 21 years. Along with Beth Stroul, who also received recognition from APA for her leadership in child advocacy, Friedman authored a monograph on children's mental health which has affected policy at the federal level, and in every state.

Friedman served on the Planning Board for the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health in 1999, and recently served on the Child and Family Subcommittee of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

"Bob is a national treasure in children's behavioral health," said David Shern, Ph.D., Dean of FMHI. "We are quite fortunate to have him as our colleague. It is great that he is receiving this well deserved national recognition from the APA."

"I am flattered and honored to receive this award," said Friedman, "and wish to emphasize that it is only possible because of the tremendous opportunities we have here at FMHI. I am most concerned about the serious need to improve the mental health and overall well-being of children in our country, and I look forward to using this award to continue to work on this important issue."

Robert Friedman, Ph.D.