CFS News Sunday, December 28, 2008

March 1-4, 2009: The Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health Research Conference

Times of change bring both challenge and opportunity. With a change in administration at the federal level, and the severe economic crisis, the challenge is for the children’s mental health field to demonstrate the economy and effectiveness of systems-wide and community-wide approaches to serving children and youth with mental health challenges and their families. The 22nd Annual Research Conference offers the opportunity to share findings, suggest solutions, and identify strategies for promoting positive child, family, and community outcomes through implementing effective systems of care.

Since its first conference in 1986, the Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health has sought to expand the research base essential to improved service systems for children with serious emotional and behavioral disturbances and their families.

In 2009, the 22nd Annual Research Conference will continue to build on the collective knowledge of the mental health services field. Researchers, evaluators, administrators, policy makers, planners, advocates and family members now work in concert across the nation to apply best practice in their states and communities. We are honored that over 600 members of this national network will come to Tampa in March to share new findings related to building effective systems of care through presentation and collaboration. As host, the Center is committed to selecting conference content that is rigorous, relevant, and focused on producing meaningful outcomes in real-world settings.