Awareness Week 2012

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!

May 6 – 12, 2012

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health declares the first full week in May as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement!

The theme for 2012 National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week’s Poster Contest this year was: Youth Overcoming Trauma.

The National Federation invites all our chapters and statewide organizations to use the week of May 6-12, 2012 to promote positive mental health, well-being and social development for all children and youth.  Join the National Federation in sending out the following messages:

• Mental health is essential to overall health and well being.
• Serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable.
•  Children and youth with mental health challenges and their families deserve access to   services and supports that are family driven, youth guided and culturally appropriate.
•  Values of acceptance, dignity and social inclusion should be promoted throughout all   communities for children, youth and families.
• Family and youth voice is a valued asset in determining appropriate services and interventions.

The National Federation will again sell and distribute green ribbons in preparation for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Let us work together to exceed last year’s total of 150,000 green ribbons worn during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Please plan your mental health awareness activities and share your ideas with all of us…send them to ffcmh@ffcmh.org.

Scroll through the different topic areas to the right and find a ton of great resources to help you plan for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2012.