Stigma and Disparities in Childrens Mental Health

February 26, 2010 until February 27, 2010
San Diego, CA

Let us put our minds together and see what we can do for our children.

We will learn about new efforts to diminish the barriers of stigma and disparities

Together we will become champions in order to shift societal culture from one that inhibits.

To a culture where all children thrive and are made to feel good, like every child should.

Become a champion for your community

Join us February 26th and 27th Register today for the conference

Call (619) 546-5852 or download the PDF for more information

Press Release

Society's EXHILED Children

San Diego, CA- Conference on Stigma in Children's Mental Health, Improving Services for Children and Families

In schools and in our community, children with depression or other social, emotional challenges are left untreated.  Recent statistics state 1 in 5 children have social emotional challenges. In a classroom of 40 students that's eight children.  The desperation felt by parents, teachers and others is devastating. Parents feel their children are misunderstood and mistreated, yet parents feel powerless to help make things better for their child.  Parents feel discouraged, and blamed.  These parents avoid interactions with schools and community.  These children are often bullied, ridiculed and tormented in school and in their community.  Untreated these children are faced with increased medical problems, truancy, difficulty concentrating in school,  poor relationships, serious alcohol and drug addictions and high suicide rates. 
 
79% of these children and their families avoid seeking help due to stigma. Their parents not only face the challenges of having a child with social, emotional challenges, but also confront the stigma that accompanies treatment and feel social rejection.

Almost 10 percent of children ages 9-17 that have serious emotional challenges demonstrate severe functional impairment. One out of every eight children with social, emotional challenges has a substance abuse problem. Of these children less than 60% are appropriately diagnosed; these children are often incarcerated, rather than treated.

It is time to learn what research and the experts have to say, so that together, we can address the issues faced by these exiled children and families.

In an effort to begin community dialogues and action around these issues, the Family & Youth Roundtable is hosting a conference in San Diego on February 26 & 27, 2010. The California Mental Health Directors Association and the California Mental Health Planning Council believe in this learning opportunity; as they know we must reduce stigma in order afford all children be healthy and thriving in their communities.

The Family & Youth Roundtable is a nonprofit, family and youth-led organization dedicated to partnering with community stakeholders by providing educational support to parents, youth, and the public systems that serve them.
Content Experts:
Dr. Bernice Pescosolido, Stigma research, (812)-855-6256
Dr. Mark Katz, Bullying Prevention Expert, # (858)-581-5050

Dr. Jeff Rowe, Children's Mental Health Expert, (858)-268-2973
Alfredo Aguirre, Community Mental Health Expert #, (619)-563-2765
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