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Transforming Childrens Mental Healthcare in America
Systems of Care

CCC CONFERENCE CALL
April 20, 2006
Minutes

Present on the call:  Gary Blau, Nancy Callahan, Sai-ling Chan-Sew, Jill Erickson, Bob Friedman, Barbara Friesen, Regina Hicks, Vivian Jackson, Gary MacBeth, Marie Morilus-Black, Kate Pahinui, Amy Petrilla, Keith Pirtle, Maria Rodriguez, Lisa Rubenstein, Carol Schneider, Diane Sondheimer, Susan Stromberg, and Marjorie Withers.

Agenda Items:

Branch Updates: (Gary Blau)

  1. Re-applications for Grant Programs continue to be processed.  Additional funds maybe available because some sites may request fewer dollars then planned if they are having match problems and because two sites are not continuing.  The additional funds may be used to fund new sites.

The regional meetings have been excellent and represent a new level of collaboration across all the partners.  Using a CQI approach, each meeting has been improved by the learning experiences of the prior one.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) joined the last meeting in order to get feedback on potential language and philosophy for their Home and Community Based Waiver Program.  This represents an unprecedented partnership of great importance.  Gary MacBeth stated that another spin-off has occurred with CMS engaging in ongoing conversations with state child mental health directors.  The Bazelon Center has prepared a document that provides information on the Deficit Reduction Act and its impact on service delivery. Gary stated that it is “must reading.”

  1. Larke Huang has officially become the Senior Advisor for Children across all three SAMHSA centers.  It is a wonderful addition to SAMHSA and Gary indicated that he and the Branch would be assisting Larke with her transition.  
  1. Regina Hicks praised the collaboration for the Regional Meetings, which has included Georgetown, The Social Marketing Campaign, the Evaluation Contractors and NICWA.  The unified approach represents an exciting and powerful matrix for new understanding. 
  1. These ventures are ways of modeling collaboration.  Gary shared that the “Building Bridges” conference on linkages with residential programming will be held in Omaha.  Bob Friedman, Sheila Pires, Beth Stroul, and Bob Bernstein are just a few of the nearly 70 invitees to this effort that is designed to build stronger understanding and connections to improve services for children and families.

Gary was please to announce that $10,000 dollars has been infused by the Casey Foundation to support youth and families attending the Omaha meeting.  Bob Friedman also shared that the American Bar Association has made a commitment to support youth at risk and in need of supervision.  Both are excellent examples of collaboration and support of system values which impact children’s mental health.

  1. Susan Stromberg has been selected as coordinator for 2 Mental Health Transformation SIG grants which represents a new level of Branch involvement with CMHS transformation changes.  The two states she will be working with are Oklahoma and Maryland.  
  1. Gary announced that two CCC documents (the 2006 work plan and the 2005 accomplishment list) are now on the website.
  1. Lisa Rubenstein reported on activities related to National Mental Health Awareness Day scheduled for May 8th.  The National Mental Health Association, the National Association of Social Workers and the Federation of Families are sponsoring a briefing on the Hill with a press release that captures 8 data points which illuminate the work and achievements of systems of care.  300 invitations have been sent out.  The committee is working with sites to use data, pledge forms and events.  Vanguard has sent a care package to the sites which include the new system of care fact sheet, pens with the website address, and other wonderful branding tools.  NICWA reports that tribal sites are holding feasts, and creating tribal declarations as well as ceremonies honoring National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.  NICWA Wrist bands with “Live well, Live Native” were being distributed at the San Diego meeting. 
  1. Gary MacBeth described a Training of Trainers to develop a Spanish speaking cadre of consultants on system of care issues.  The new consultants will be listed on the Web Site.  Multiple places have expressed interest in having Spanish speaking trainers.
  1. Barbara Friesen announced that Portland State will be partnering with Harris Pollsters.  Utilizing a questionnaire developed by Portland State, Harris will pole 1200-1400 8-18 year old youth on stigma.  Maria pointed out the relevance for sites and suggested that the results be shared so that sites might utilize the pole as springboard for media access.
  1. Kate Pahinui discussed the strategic planning that is being facilitated by Lisa Conlin on monthly conference calls with UACC and the Federation of Families.  The UACC/Federation team is working to create a nationally focused strategic plan for family organizations.  Regenia offered Kate the use of the Webinar system as a means to support this important work.  The combined effort is a genuine collaboration that is strengthening the family movement. 
  1. Carol Schneider presented two membership issues. The Membership Committee identified 4 applicants that were nominated for the CCC. The 4 applicants were unanimously accepted.  The new CCC members are:  1. Jody Levinson Johnson from a new site in Monroe County NY will be the TA representative.  2. Perry Ahsogek of Fairbanks Federation is the new tribal program Director member. 3. Pat Baker formally of the Utah site will be the family graduated site member.  4.  Andres Barbosa the youth director from Puerto Rico and a youth from his site are the coordinator and youth representatives.

The committee suggested that a member from Youth Move be offered a slot on the CCC.  Regina Hicks suggested that it would be an important linkage for the CCC and Move.

The CCC concurred with the membership committee on having Tiffany Washington‘s replacement join Allyn Cosey until September.

  1. Gary suggested that the new members team with current members as they transition on to the CCC – sort of an orientation program.  Keith Pirtle volunteered Oklahoma to offer support to a new member.  Others interested in volunteering should contact Susan Stromberg or Marjorie.  Marjorie will contact the Federation for a liaison for the new family representative member.  An orientation packet will be developed for new members by Susan and Marjorie. 
  1. The CCC meeting in Florida is scheduled for Friday July 14th at 6:00pm.
Jill Erickson said good bye on her last CCC conference call before her retirement.  Jill’s presence and contributions over the past 8 years have helped to transform tribal communities.  Her role in the development of Circles of Care was huge and its impact will be felt throughout Indian Country for generations.  Jill has been a guiding light in that process.  Marjorie stated “Woliwon,” and the entire CCC wished Jill well.

  Please direct information updates to soc@samhsa.gov with the specific location or internet address to be updated. Thank you.
Systems of Care