by Susan Resko, The Balanced Mind Foundation Executive Director

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is offering The Balanced Mind Foundation members a chance to be a part of the process to create legislative change for our kids. We invite you to join child psychiatrists, other families and youth as you go to Capitol Hill and advocate for policies that impact child and adolescent mental health.

Participants will learn how to advocate, be briefed on the current legislative environment, hear about the latest child psychiatry policy issues, and meet members of Congress and their staff. You will help to raise awareness for children's mental health issues and help our policy makers better understand the serious needs of our children and families. There is no better way for The Balanced Mind Foundation members to affect change!

AACAP will pay for travel and up to 2 nights of hotel expenses for parents and youth to attend. Advocacy Day will be held on April 7-8 in Washington, D.C.. Hands-on training will begin on Thursday, April 7th at 3 pm, followed by a reception. On Friday, April 8th, we’ll have an early meeting with a policy tutorial at 7 am, followed by a full day of Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill and a debriefing. We will also have a lunch forum on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff. You will be paired with experienced doctors, so if this is your first time going to the Hill, you can be assured that the meetings will be well coordinated and you will be joining experienced child psychiatrist advocates. AACAP invites families because we provide a face to the stories and facts the doctors will be sharing.

There are certain states and districts that are key to the issues we will be addressing. Check the list below to see if you live in one of the target areas. If so, click here to express your interest in attending. We will be in touch and AACAP will coordinate your interest with funding availability and the district in which you live. Not everyone can be accommodated, but we will do our best.

For more information on the event, go to: http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/legislative_action/advocacy_day_2011.

I will be there with my 15 year-old son who has and interest in political science. He is looking forward to visiting his Boy Scout Troop Leader and freshman U.S. Congressman’s office, Bob Dold (IL-10th.) He is also very supportive of his brother’s struggles.

I look forward to walking through the cherry blossoms in DC with you on our way to affect change for our children! 

AACAP 2011 Advocacy Day Target Districts

(Not sure if you live in a district listed below? Click here.)