Guest guest Posted October 11, 2007 Report Share Posted October 11, 2007 As of this month, the New Jersey Parents' Caucus E-Resources & News will be sent as a PDF file attachment. As well, both the English and Spanish Version will be posted on the website at http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org/htmls/EResource.html. The index is below. Hope that you enjoy our new format! Shinhee 1. NJPC Parents Empowerment Academy - Navigating the Special Education System & The IEP Process Training at Newark Public Library 2. Research in the News - A Faster Class of Antidepressants 3. Juvenile Justice Information Announcements 4. Healthcare recordkeeping notebook 5. Schools Can't, Shouldn't Shoulder Prevention Burden 6. Study to Look for Heart Risks from ADHD Medications 7. Looking Ahead at Family Involvement 8. NJPC Youth Group Basketball Fundraiser A Success! 9. Too Many Children Growing up in Low-Income Families 10. Racial and Ethnic Disparities 11. The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health 12. Family Driven Curriculum Available at www.ffcmn.org 13. Please Disseminate Rick Lavoie on Motivating any Child! 14. Latest Information from the National Institute of Mental Health 15. The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools Weekly Insider 16. Newly Funded NIMH Center Dedicated to Mental Health Research for Asian Americans 17. Union County Partners for Healthy Children Tour of Service Event 18. Action Alert on proposed changes to Medicaid rules 19. county's Poverty Summit 20. Reminder! 6th Annual Transition Conference on October 23, 2007 in NJ! 21. Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children and Adolescents 22. Preparedness and Patient Safety 23. Hope House in Dover 24. Governor Corzine Signs Bills On Autism 25. Report Examines Disproportionate Minority Contact 26. Insights from the Philanthropy Forum: How Nonprofit 27. ONDCP's Parent Chronicles initiative 1 28. Urgent Action Alert on Children's Healthcare 29. Hispanic Teens More Likely to Use Drugs 30. Public School Practices for Violence Prevention & Reduction 31. SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE at Fairleigh Dickinson University 32. Free Publications Available from the NIH- Students Learn the Science of Drug Abuse 33. National Quality Forum Issues Consensus Standards for Treatment 34. Oxygen therapy story from Hawaii 35. National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Is Oct. 21 - 27 36. Draft Language for No Child Left Behind Act Reauthorization Is Available 37. Videos to Help People with Disabilities Prepare for Disaster 38. Conference SCHIP Bill Allows Funds to SBHC 39. New Community Program Directory 40. Suicide in Youth and Young Adults Spiked In 2003/2004: CDC REPORT 41. Kidspeace Told to Make Changes 42. Money Wi$e Training 1. NJPC PARENTS EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY - NAVIGATING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM & THE IEP PROCESS TRAINING IN NEWARK 2. RESEARCH IN THE NEWS 3. JUVENILE JUSTICE INFORMATION 4. HEALTH CARE RECORDKEEPING NOTEBOOK 5. SCHOOLS CAN'T, SHOULDN'T SHOULDER PREVENTION BURDEN 6. STUDY TO LOOK FOR HEART RISKS FROM ADHD MEDICATIONS 7. LOOKING AHEAD AT FAMILY INVOLVEMENT 8. NJPC YOUTH GROUP BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS! 9. TOO MANY CHILDREN GROWING UP IN LOW-INCOME FAMILIES 10. RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES 11. THE FENWAY GUIDE TO LGBT HEALTH 12. FAMILY DRIVEN CURRICULUM AVAILABLE AT WWW.FFCMN.ORG 13. PLEASE DISSEMINATE RICK LAVOIE ON MOTIVATING ANY CHILD! 14. LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH 15. THE CENTER FOR HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE IN SCHOOLS WEEKLY INSIDER 16. NEWLY FUNDED NIMH CENTER DEDICATED TO MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH FOR ASIAN AMERICANS 17. TOUR OF SERVICE EVENT 18. ACTION ALERT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO MEDICAID RULES 19. MORRIS COUNTY'S POVERTY SUMMIT 20. REMINDER! 6TH ANNUAL TRANSITION CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 23, 2007 IN NJ! 21. PASSED ON FROM NRCFCPPP WEEKLY UPDATE 22. PREPAREDNESS AND PATIENT SAFETY 23. HOPE HOUSE IN DOVER 24. GOVERNOR CORZINE SIGNS BILLS ON AUTISM 25. REPORT EXAMINES DISPROPORTIONATE MINORITY CONTACT 26. INSIGHTS FROM THE PHILANTHROPY FORUM: HOW NONPROFIT 27. ONDCP'S PARENT CHRONICLES INITIATIVE 1 28. URGENT ACTION ALERT ON CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE 29. HISPANIC TEENS MORE LIKELY TO USE DRUGS 30. PUBLIC SCHOOL PRACTICES FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION & REDUCTION: 2003-04 31. SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE AT FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY 32. FREE PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH - STUDENTS LEARN THE SCIENCE OF DRUG ABUSE 33. NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM ISSUES CONSENUS STANDARDS FOR TREATMENT 34. OXYGEN THERAPY STORY FROM HAWAII 35. NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK IS OCT. 21 - 27 36. DRAFT LANGUAGE FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT REAUTHORIZATION IS AVAILABLE 37. VIDEOS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PREPARE FOR DISASTER 38. CONFERENCE SCHIP BILL ALLOWS FUNDS TO SBHC 39. NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM DIRECTORY 40. SUICIDE IN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS SPIKED IN 20032004: CDC REPORT 41. KIDSPEACE TOLD TO MAKE CHANGES 42. MONEY WI$E TRAINING New Jersey Parents Caucus E-Resources & News October 2007 V10 Please respond to newjerseyparentscaucus@... 1. NJPC PARENTS EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY - NAVIGATING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM & THE IEP PROCESS TRAINING IN NEWARK Through the support of the Newark Public Library, the NJPC is offering a FREE Training Workshop for Parents and Caregivers raising Children with Emotional and Behavioral challenges through its Parents Empowerment Academy: Professional Parent Advocacy in the Special Education System, Navigating the Special Education System, Understanding the IEP Process. Parents and caregivers attending the training are given the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of the special education system and their rights and responsibilities. The training will be provided in both English and Spanish and is offered during the day and in the evening. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so please register early. Flyers in both English & Spanish are also available for download at http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org/htmls/ Advocacy_training-25.htm. Agencies who wish to have their organization's brochures or handouts available for parents who attend the training should mail no more than 60 copies of one item to Regana Bracey, NJPC of Passaic County, 117 Keen Street, Paterson NJ 07524. Location: Newark Public Library Auditorium 5 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07101 Presenters: Helmstetter, Certified Teacher, NJPC Board Member, Advocate & Parent Grieco, NJPC Director of Special Education Advocacy & Parent Kathy , NJPC Executive Director & Parent Dates: October 16 & 18, 6PM-8PM (Two Part Session) October 24, 2007, 10AM-2PM (One Session) To register, please contact Grieco, at newjerseyparentscaucus@..., call 973-668-6917, fax registration form to 973-742-5035 or register online at http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org. NJPC Special Education Advocates will be present at the trainings to review IEPs. Thank you for your continued support. 2. RESEARCH IN THE NEWS A Faster Class of Antidepressants Science Daily (September 11, 2007), comes a story called " A Faster Class of Antidepressants. " The story describes how " the most widely used antidepressants - called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - work by inhibiting recycling of serotonin after a nerve impulse, increasing its concentration in the connections between neurons. However, a different class of drugs exists that directly enhances nerve impulses of serotonin neurons. " The article continues, " In their experiments [several researchers] tested in rats the effects of two such serotonin receptor agonist compounds. The researchers found that only three days of treatment with the serotonin receptor agonists induced antidepressant-related changes in the brains of the animals that were only achieved after weeks of treatment with SSRIs. " The article concludes, " According to the different experimental models studied, [the new drugs] may act four to seven times more rapidly than classical [antidepressants] and possibly with greater efficacy. The story appears at the website: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070905123915.htm Not Autistic or Hyperactive: Just Seeing Double at Times In an article from the New York Times called " Not Autistic or Hyperactive: Just Seeing Double at Times " (September 11, 2007), Novak reports that a syndrome called " Convergence Insufficiency " has been overlooked by many physicians who diagnose such disorders as autism spectrum disorder, neurofibromatosis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorder instead. Convergence insufficiency is a disorder in which the patient sees double because the eyes cannot work together at close range. According to Novak, " Experts estimate that 5 percent of school-age children have convergence insufficiency. They can suffer headaches, dizziness and nausea, which can lead to irritability, low self-esteem and inability to concentrate. Doctors and teachers often. seek other medical explanations. [One parent] said her pediatrician had never heard of convergence insufficiency. " Novak continues, " There is no consensus on how to treat convergence insufficiency. Next spring, the National Eye Institute will announce the results of a $6 million randomized clinical trial measuring the benefits of vision therapy in a doctor's office versus home-based therapy. " For the full text of this article see the URL below: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/11/science/11mit.html?_r=1 & t h= & oref=slogin & emc=th & pagewanted=print. 3. JUVENILE JUSTICE INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Best Practices for Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers On September 26, 2007, the Office for Victims of Crime will host a Web Forum Guest Host Session on recruiting and retaining volunteers. Join , Community Relations Coordinator at Casa de los Niños, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss methods of recruitment and best practices for enhancing volunteers' experiences. (OVC) September Is National Campus Safety Awareness Month In recognition of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, NCJRS presents Campus Safety Resources, a compilation of information and resources on Campus Safety. This Web site provides information on general campus safety, law enforcement, and victims and victimization. (NCJRS) September Is National Youth Court Month A record 1,255 youth courts annually involve more than 115,000 youth volunteers in the sentencing and disposition of more than 120,000 youth offenders. Published by the National Association of Youth Courts, the National Youth Court Month 2007 Planning and Action Guide assists communities in observing National Youth Court Month. (OJJDP) PUBLICATIONS Black Victimization Detailed " Black Victims of Violent Crime " (NCJ 214258, 12 pp.) presents findings about violent crime experienced by non-Hispanic blacks. Comparisons are made with the victimization experience of other racial/ethnic groups. Findings include violent victimization rates by victim characteristics. Also examined are crime characteristics, including weapon use, offender race, police reporting, and police response to violent crime incidents. (BJS) Findings From Studying Adolescents in Chicago Neighborhoods " Adolescents, Neighborhoods, and Violence: Recent Findings From the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods " (NCJ 217397, 24 pp.), a research in brief, examines factors that lead children and adolescents to violent and criminal behavior, combining a longitudinal survey of more than 6,000 children and adolescents with a study of Chicago neighborhoods. (NIJ) OSDFS Fact Sheet Describes Trafficking of Children The Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools has published " Human Trafficking of Children in the United States. " The fact sheet describes the nature and extent of such child trafficking and how it affects our schools. Information and resources related to identifying victims of trafficking are also provided. (OJJDP) Sexual Violence in Prisons and Jails Examined " Sexual Violence Reported by Correctional Authorities, 2006 " (NCJ 218914, 12 pp.) presents data from an administrative records collection of incidents of inmate-on-inmate and staff-on-inmate sexual violence reported to correctional authorities. It provides counts of sexual violence for adult prisons, jails, and other adult correctional facilities and an indepth analysis of substantiated incidents, characteristics of victims and perpetrators, injuries, and perpetrators' sanctions. (BJS) ONLINE RESOURCES Add Your Event to OVC's National Calendar The OVC National Calendar of Events helps you locate, plan, and promote victim assistance-related events nationwide. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OVC invites you to add your commemorative event to the calendar, allowing you to connect with a larger victim service audience and gain national exposure. (OVC) New Anti-Meth Campaign Announced ONDCP has launched an Anti-Meth Campaign aimed at preventing methamphetamine use, dispelling " meth myths " , and providing treatment for those who need it. Visit the Anti-Meth Campaign to learn more about this initiative, view and listen to the ads, learn about treatment, and download methamphetamine-related information. (ONDCP) New Venue Available to Discuss Meth ONDCP recently launched the DiscussMeth Web Forum, which provides those involved in the fight against methamphetamine an opportunity to interact, and share ideas, resources, and other information. (ONDCP) CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS Forensic Trainings Available NIJ is offering two online trainings, Crime Scene and DNA Basics for Forensic Analysis and Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues for Forensic Analysts. Topics include crime scene preservation, use of technology, and quality assurance measures. (NIJ) Six Additional ALERRT Trainings Available In partnership with Texas State University, BJA is funding the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) initiative for law enforcement nationwide. ALERRT Active Shooter Response training is specifically designed to provide law enforcement agencies with training to effectively and safely respond to active shooter events. (BJA) Training for Corrections Professionals It Is All About Training: Who's Developing You is a live satellite/Internet broadcast to be held October 31-November 1, 2007, for 4 hours each day. This training for directors and curriculum developers will review the elements of NIC's self-directed DVD learning tool Training Design and Development. (NIC) 4. HEALTH CARE RECORDKEEPING NOTEBOOK An easy to use notebook for parents to document an ongoing record of their child's medical and health care. This notebook is free and is downloadable in English or Spanish. http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=3355 5. SCHOOLS CAN'T, SHOULDN'T SHOULDER PREVENTION BURDEN FEATURE Report: Schools Can't, Shouldn't Shoulder Prevention Burden http://members.jointogether.org/ct/sdxbyC91kzZB/ Most American kids receive some drug education in the classroom, but a new report contends that schools should not be relied upon to prevent early use of alcohol and other drugs and its consequences. HEADLINES DEA Says Cocaine Campaign Has Cut Supply, Raised Prices http://members.jointogether.org/ct/spxbyC91kzZ4/ The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says a drug-interdiction campaign by Mexico's government has cut cocaine supplies in 26 U.S. cities and resulted in a 29 percent price increase on the streets. Online Alcohol Test Precedes College Admission http://members.jointogether.org/ct/cpxbyC91kzZn/ Parents, Students, Others Debate High-School Drug Testing http://members.jointogether.org/ct/B1xbyC91kzZ8/ Most Mental Illness Untreated, WHO Says http://members.jointogether.org/ct/cdxbyC91kzZy/ RESEARCH NEWS Drugs in Schools http://members.jointogether.org/ct/X1xbyC91kzZo/ Antidepressants Don't Prevent Smoking Among ADHD Patients http://members.jointogether.org/ct/BpxbyC91kzZ9/ RESOURCES Policy Brief: School-Based Prevention http://members.jointogether.org/ct/r1xbyC91kzZT/ 6. LOOKING AHEAD AT FAMILY INVOLVEMENT UPCOMING RESOURCES FROM FINE AND HFRP Responding to recent growth in the family involvement field, this fall FINE will release an updated Taking a Closer Look: A Guide to Online Resources on Family Involvement. Originally published in 2005, this guide offers a " one-stop shop " with links to hundreds of research resources, professional development opportunities, programs, and other tools to support the development of knowledge, practice, and policy in family and community engagement. You can access the 2005 edition of the guide at the link below. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/fine/resources/guide/ index.html HFRP's New Website For the past year, we at Harvard Family Research Project have been hard at work redesigning our website to make it more user friendly. With an expected launch date in late fall, the site will feature new content and new search and navigation functions to help you access our resources more easily. As part of the website launch, we will be asking our FINE members to complete a short survey to learn what it is that you find most useful about our resources and how we might best support your work. We are committed to making FINE a useful and vibrant forum for our members. Hearing from you is key to our ability to deliver on that promise, so please keep an eye out for that online survey later this fall! Complementary Learning Professional Development Institute On November 1-3, Harvard Family Research Project will co-host its second professional development institute on complementary learning with Programs in Professional Education (PPE) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. For more than 25 years, PPE has offered professional development programs with the latest research, information, and best practices. This institute, entitled " Closing the Achievement Gap: Linking Families, Schools, and Communities Through Complementary Learning, " will explore how schools, families, out-of-school time programs, and other organizations and agencies can work together to build systems that promote children's learning and development. Registration is full, but you can still sign up for the waitlist. To sign up for the wait list or register for other institutes, call Programs in Professional Education at 1-800-545-1849 or go to the link below. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~ppe/k12/programs/cag.html Evaluating Family Involvement This coming winter, a double issue of HFRP's periodical, The Evaluation Exchange, will focus on current and future directions for family involvement. Leading experts in the field will discuss what it will take to build systematic family involvement practices, policies, and research; explore the role of research and evaluation in building the field; and present cutting-edge research findings and evaluation approaches. The issue will feature HFRP's family involvement framework, which highlights the importance of building family involvement across ages and settings and with a basis in mutual responsibility. You can access an archive of past Evaluation Exchange issues at the link below. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/eval/archives.html NEW FROM FINE Tomasito's Mother Comes to School Originally released in June, this online bilingual storybook about family involvement at school includes a children's story, along with an informational guide for adult family members and discussion questions. The story draws from the real experiences of one Latino boy and his family who are acculturating to the U.S. The storybook and related tools are designed to engage children, inform and inspire their families, and help educators build connections with families, all while supporting literacy. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/fine/resources/ storybook/tomasito.html Family Involvement in Middle and High School Our most recent research brief, Family Involvement in Middle and High School Students' Education, synthesizes studies that link family involvement in middle and high school to youth's academic and social outcomes. The final installment in a three-part series that shows that family involvement matters from birth through adolescence, this brief profiles evaluated programs to show what works to promote family involvement and student achievement in adolescence and highlights how you can use this research to promote effective policies and practices. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/fine/resources/research/ adolescent.html Related Resources: Family Involvement in Early Childhood and Elementary School To read the other to briefs in the series, Family Involvement in Early Childhood Education and Family Involvement in Elementary School Children's Education, visit the link below. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/pubs/pubslist.html#fimd NEW FROM HFRP Related Resource: Out-of-School Time Database To access the many profiles of out-of-school time program evaluations and research studies in our Out-of-School Time Database, including those just added in August 2007 http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterschool/ evaldatabase.html The Quality of School-Age Child Care in After-School Settings This brief, written by HFRP's Priscilla Little and published by Child Care & Early Education Research Connections, offers an overview of the features of high-quality after school settings, including an examination of key research on links between program quality and developmental outcomes. The brief also reviews current practice in program quality assessment, and a set of qualityrelated considerations for policymakers. http://www.researchconnections.org/SendPdf?resourceId=12576 POLICY New Parental Information and Resource Centers Website Harvard Family Research Project is proud to be part of the National Coordination Center for the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRC) in collaboration with the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL). The Coordination Center provides technical assistance to the 62 federally funded PIRCs and has recently launched a new website. Visit this link to learn more about the PIRC program, to locate the PIRC in your state, and to learn about the Coordination Center's plans for technical assistance to the PIRCs. New resources will be added in the coming months. http://www.nationalpirc.org Engaging Parents in Education As part of its Innovation in Education series, the U.S. Department of Education recently released Engaging Parents in Education: Lessons from Five Parental Information and Resource Centers. This publication highlights some of the PIRCs' best practices for building parents' understanding of No Child Left Behind and for preparing educators and parents to collaborate in support of student learning. http://www.ed.gov/admins/comm/parents/parentinvolve/ engagingparents.pdf Related Resource: The Education Innovator The feature article in the Department of Education's newsletter The Education Innovator highlights the guide, the PIRCs, and the National Coordination Center. http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/innovator/2007/0830.html ARTICLES AND REPORTS Chicago Child-Parent Centers Long-Term Benefits This article presents the latest research findings from Arthur Reynolds and his colleagues' randomized early childhood intervention in Chicago. Investigating long-term effects at age 24, the authors found that those who had participated in the holistic preschool program were more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and have health insurance, and were less likely to have criminal records and depressive symptoms. http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/161/8/730 Building, Engaging, and Supporting Family and Parental Involvement in Out-of-School Time Programs This brief from Child Trends summarizes the research on outcomes and best practices for family engagement in after school. It also offers suggestions for programs to plan for and sustain family involvement, and spotlights how the National Organization of Concerned Black Men has involved families in outof- school time. http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends- 2007_06_19_RB_ ParentEngage.pdf Focus on Families! How to Build and Support Family-Centered Practices in After School This easy-to-read guide-the result of a collaboration between HFRP, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and BOSTnet-is a critical resource for any after school provider looking to create or expand a family engagement program. It includes a research review of the benefits and challenges of engaging families after school, suggested strategies, program examples, an evaluation tool, and additional resources. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterschool/resources/ families/index.html Building Parent Involvement Through the Arts In his new book, Building Parent Involvement Through the Arts, Sikes argues that parent involvement increases with arts education and that this fact can be used as a leverage point in advocacy for arts programming in schools. This book describes tools and strategies for using arts to build and sustain partnerships with families. http://msikesphd.com/Parents.htm TOOL KITS Engaging Parents in Raising Achievement Warwick University has released new research findings on parent perceptions of their importance and role in raising student achievement. Accompanying this research report is an action tool kit that provides strategies for effective parent involvement. http://www.schoolsnetwork.org.uk/raisingachievement/engagingp arents/default.aspa Youth Outcomes Measurement Tools Directory United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley have launched Toolfind.org. Toolfind is a free directory designed to help professionals in youth-serving programs find measurement tools for up to 11 youth outcome areas. All tools are tested, low-cost and have few restrictions. Tools included in this database address elementary, middle and/or high school students and youth, parent, staff and teacher respondents. http://www.toolfind.org BOOKS City Schools: How Districts and Communities Can Create Smart Education Systems Annenberg Institute for School Reform scholar Rothman and his colleagues have published a new book that describes how school districts can get " smarter " by connecting with nonschool support systems. Based on their research in a number of districts and communities, the authors provide examples and offer suggestions for how schools can build partnerships with families, community agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to best support children and youth. The book is available for purchase at the link below. http://www.annenberginstitute.org/images/CitySchools.pdf 8. NJPC YOUTH GROUP BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS! On August 4, the New Jersey Parents Caucus' Statewide Youth Group held their first Basketball Tournament Fundraiser. There were 14 teams of four-10 youth teams and 4 adult teams, with ages ranging from 11 to 49! The Basketball Tournament was held in Lake Hopatcong, NJ and there were about 50 fans rooting for the teams. The youth group also sold refreshments and received donations from the local Dunkin Donuts and Pathmark. The Group is raising money to send two members of the Youth Group to the Federation of Families Conference in Washington, DC on December 7-9. For more information on the Basketball Tournament or to view more of the pictures, please visit http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org/htmls/youthgroup.html. If you would like to contribute to sending our youth to the conference, please contact them at njpcyouthgroup@.... Thank you. Jill Seropian NJPC Board Trustee 9. TOO MANY CHILDREN GROWING UP IN LOW-INCOME FAMILIES Basic Facts About Low-Income Children NCCP's latest demographic data, based on Census data released last month, reveal that 39% of children in the United States live in low-income families-a level that remains unchanged from the previous year. Our updated fact sheets and 50-state profiles on low-income children provide detailed characteristics of these children and their families, both nationally and in each state. And the updated trend book charts changes in these data over the past ten years. We've updated NCCP's most popular fact sheets, Basic Facts About Low-Income Children, with the most recent Census data. The fact sheets track U.S. children who live in low-income families by age: birth to age 18, birth to age 6, and birth to age 3. Read Basic Facts About Low-Income Children. Ten-Year Trends in Characteristics of Low-Income Children This updated trend book brings together national and 50-state data on the characteristics of low-income children over the past decade. Low-Income Children in the United States finds that since 2000 there are 1.7 million more children living in low-income families. It also provides trends in official child poverty rates. See Low-Income Children in the United States: National and State Trend Data, 1996-2006. Updated 50-State Demographic Information NCCP has updated state and national demographic data on our state profiles and in the 50-State Demographics Wizard. The updated data reveal that: .. 39% of all children live in low-income families (28.6 million children). .. 43% of young children (under age 6) live in low-income families (more than 10 million children). .. Rates of children living in low-income families vary dramatically across the states, from 21% in New Hampshire to 53% in Mississippi. 10. RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES New Report Highlights Policy Implications of Disparities in Access and Quality Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health is a major national objective, one of two overall goals for Healthy People 2010. A new synthesis of rigorous national studies examines the prevalence and causes of disparities in access to and quality of health care, and the policy implications of these findings. Key Findings: .. Racial and ethnic disparities in access to and quality of care are pervasive, but not universal. The largest disparities in access are for Spanish-speaking Hispanics. .. Insurance coverage, income and other factors explain a portion of the disparities, but racial and ethnic gaps in access and quality remain after accounting for these conditions. .. After adjusting for other factors, disparities in recommended processes of care-the appropriate use of screening tests, medications, and laboratory tests-tend to be small or nonexistent. Disparities are larger for intermediate outcomes, newer therapies and invasive outcomes, even after adjusting for other factors The Synthesis Project is an initiative of the Wood Foundation to produce relevant, concise and thought-provoking briefs and reports on today's most important health policy issues. By synthesizing what is known, while weighing the strength of findings and exposing gaps in knowledge, the project gives decision-makers reliable information and new insights to inform complex policy decisions. 11. THE FENWAY GUIDE TO LGBT HEALTH In October the American College of Physicians will publish " The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health. " This textbook is intended to teach providers of health and mental health services about the particular health care needs of sexual minorities. The textbook was edited by Dr. Harvey Makadon, Dr. Ken Mayer, and Goldhammer of The Fenway Institute at Fenway Community Health, and Dr. Potter of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The book's press release states, " LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Americans, in addition to having the same basic health needs as the general population, also experience health disparities because of continuing discrimination and ignorance related to sexual orientation or gender identity. " The article provides the following information about disparities: .. LGBT people as a whole are 40 to 70 percent more likely to smoke than non-LGBT people; .. Gay and bisexual men continue to be at increased risk for HIV and other STD acquisition and transmission; .. Many providers have little knowledge of transgender people and their specialized medical and mental health needs; .. LGBT youth are often isolated and at higher risk for depression and attempted suicide; .. Lesbians may be at greater risk than other women for certain kinds of cancer. To read the article in its entirety, click on the link below: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-09/acopaco091707. php. In addition, the Human Rights Watch has a section of its website devoted to the rights of and issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and adults. Their homepage explains, " Human Rights Watch believes that international standards of human rights apply to all people equally. At Human Rights Watch, we remain convinced that progress can be made when people of good will organize themselves to make it happen. " This web page includes a number of articles from the United States and around the world and can be accessed at the following URL: http://hrw.org/doc/?t=lgbt 12. FAMILY DRIVEN CURRICULUM AVAILABLE AT www.ffcmn.org The new curriculum " On the Road to Family Driven Care " is available for free download. And, stay tuned, as there soon will be an interactive discussion board attached to it. Send comments or questions to eslaton@.... 13. EXPLORING THE WAYS TO MOTIVATE ANY CHILD Presented by Rick Lavoie, MA, M.Ed Rick Lavoie is one of the country's leading special education consultants, with more than 30 years of experience, a thriving lecture career, and a series of PBS videos. His numerous national television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, ABC Evening News and Disney Channel Presents. Lavoie's first book was titled " It's So Much Work to be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success. " This book generated widespread acclaim. Now, Rick returns, taking a more general approach in his new book titled " The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning on The Tuned-Out Child. " Lavoie states that " Motivation is the key to learning. " This evening is sure to help parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers increase their effectiveness by teaching them how to motivate children on the soccer field, in the classroom, or at home. At this event, Rick will help adults assess a child's motivational style and then discuss the motivational forces that help children learn. From there Rick will offer 6 strategies to motivate each type of child. According to Lavoie, " If you know what turns your child on you will be better able to help them succeed in all facets of life. " Rick has served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College, University of Alabama and town. 14. THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH NEWS New Collaboration Evaluates Effectiveness of Mental Illness Educational Project http://www.nimh.nih.gov/sciencenews/ 2007/ new-collaboration-evaluates-effectiveness-of-mentalillness- educational-project.shtml Drops in SSRI prescription rates may coincide with increases in youth suicides http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/ drops-in-ssri-prescription-rates-may-coincide-with-increases-inyouth- suicides.shtml Family Involvement and Focused Intervention May be Key to Helping Teens with Bulimia http://www.nimh.nih.gov/sciencenews/ 2007/family-involvement-and-focused-intervention-may-bekey- to-helping-teens-with-bulimia.shtml NIMH Funds Additional New Research on Autism http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/nimh-fundsadditional- new-research-on-autism.shtml Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder Benefits from Breast Cancer Medication http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/ manic-phase-of-bipolar-disorder-benefits-from-breast-cancermedication. shtml 15. THE CENTER FOR HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE IN SCHOOLS WEEKLY INSIDER The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the School of Public Health and Health Services at The Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The latest issue is available at: http://www.healthinschools.org/News-Room/Weekly-Insider/ September-24-2007.aspx 16. NEWLY FUNDED NIMH CENTER DEDICATED TO MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH FOR ASIAN AMERICANS A new, five-year, National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)- funded project will establish a national center to study mental health issues affecting Asian Americans. The Asian American Center on Disparities Research will be housed at the University of California (UC) , and will coordinate a network of researchers throughout the United States studying the unique mental health challenges faced by Asian Americans. The Asian American community historically has been underrepresented in mental health research, and some evidence suggests that existing mental health services are inadequate or inappropriate for Asian Americans. In addition, cultural factors often affect how existing mental health treatments work with Asian Americans. The new center, led by Nolan Zane, PhD, of UC , aims to counteract these obstacles by supporting and leading research into mental health issues affecting Asian American populations (e.g., Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, Korean, Japanese, Hawaiian, East Indian and other Asian Pacific groups). Specifically, the center will test effective clinical treatments for Asian Americans, promote and conduct research about cultural diversity and disparities relevant to the Asian American community, and help bridge the gap between scientific research and mental health practice. It will also help to inform mental health care providers about how to effectively address cultural issues when treating Asian Americans, and link clinical researchers with Asian American community organizations. The new center builds on the UC -based National Research Center on Asian American Mental Health, which operated from 1988 to 2002 and also was funded by NIMH. 17. TOUR OF SERVICE EVENT Union County Partners for Healthy Children is holding a Tour of Service Event on Oct. 18th, 2007. If you are interested participating, please contact Tracey Owata at 973-923-1433. 18. ACTION ALERT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO MEDICAID RULES Changes Could Cripple Community Mental Health August 20, 2007-Changes in the rules proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to govern Medicaid's rehabilitation service category could restrict access to intensive community mental health services needed by children and adults with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. (See the Bazelon Centerâ August 16th Information Alert.) The proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2007 (Vol. 72, No. 155, 45201-45213). As the single most significant source of financing for the public mental health system, Medicaid provides needed access to community-based care through the rehabilitative services option to help children and adults avoid institutionalization. The new rules could also have a profound effect on Medicaid services needed by other vulnerable populations, including people with physical and developmental disabilities. Stakeholders Comments Can Make a Difference If final regulations as later promulgated include many of the proposed changes, they will have a devastating affect on the availability of vital services, potentially crippling the community mental health service delivery system. A high volume of comments is often influential, so it is vital that CMS hear from large numbers of consumers, advocates, providers and other stakeholders about the threats posed by the proposed rules. What You Can Do Send your comments to CMS by the October 12, 2007 deadline. This is a critical opportunity to call upon CMS to make changes in a number of key areas and to influence the final rules. All public comments will be considered. See sample comments and details on how to submit yours in the full text of this Action Alert at http://www.bazelon.org/takeaction/2007/RehabRules9-20-07.htm. 19. MORRIS COUNTY'S POVERTY SUMMIT County's Poverty Summit scheduled for Friday, October 26, 2007. Sign-In/registration with continental breakfast begins at 7:30 am at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph. Please register on line at www.norwescap.org, as soon as possible, since seats are limited. You will find directions to the Meadow Wood Manor on NORWESCAP'S website. 20. REMINDER! 6TH ANNUAL TRANSITION CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 23, 2007 IN NJ! Allies, Inc. will host its 6th Annual Transition Conference on October 23, 2007. Last year's conference was a tremendous success with 200 participants in attendance. This year an audience upwards of 300 attendees is anticipated. Opening remarks will be delivered by state dignitaries in addition to an afternoon keynote performance provided by Dr. Fowlin. This year's one day conference will be held at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey and will include various workshops such as teaching sexuality to students with intellectual disabilities, preparing the college bound student, navigating the adult service system, educating our students about gang activity, and job development for high school age students. The conference will also provide attendees with tools to assist with the unique needs of Blind and Visually Impaired students during transition as well as provide methods for transitioning students with physical and developmental disabilities. Participants will include families, Child Study Team members, Teachers, Transition Coordinators, School Psychologists, Employment Specialists, DVR counselors, mental health advocates, and a host of others with a vested interest in students' progress during their transition process. Please find more information on the conference (including registration brochure) at www.alliesnj.org. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Thanks! Hope to see you there! 21. PASSED ON FROM THE NRCFCPPP WEEKLY UPDATE. Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children and Adolescents http://www.mchlibrary.info/knowledgepaths/kp_mental_healthy.html This knowledge path has been compiled by the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Library at town University. It offers a selection of current, high-quality resources about the promotion of healthy social and emotional development in infants, children, and adolescents. Resources tap into the health, education, and social services literature. The path identifies tools for staying abreast of new developments and for conducting further research. Separate sections present resources by age group and cover topics such as developmental stages; factors that impact social and emotional development; policies and programs to promote social and emotional well-being in homes and community settings; and strategies for integrating health, developmental, and educational services. The final section presents parent-education materials. This knowledge path is aimed at health professionals, program administrators, policymakers, educators, and families, and it will be updated periodically. 22. PREPAREDNESS AND PATIENT SAFETY Attention to mental health is especially needed in disaster planning. Remind clients about updating emergency cards every six months. Everyone should carry a wallet card that lists medical diagnoses, medications, family members and physician phone numbers, and a non local contact in case of emergency. Review the importance of emergency kits with non-perishable food and water, change of clothes, extra medication, important documents, flashlight and battery powered radio with extra batteries. Know what to do at your UBHC work site if you need to evacuate or " shelter in place. " 23. HOPE HOUSE IN DOVER Just a reminder that our 2nd Annual " Share the Hope, Walk for Your Cause " walk will be held on Saturday, October 6th in the town of Dover. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you at " Share the Hope, Walk for Your Cause " on Saturday, October 6th. Please email any questions to walk2007@... and visit our Website for more information and walk forms. (www.hopehousenj.org). 24. GOVERNOR CORZINE SIGNS BILLS ON AUTISM Governor Jon S. Corzine signed a package of seven bills relating to autism spectrum disorders. These disorders are often characterized by substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. " Today, we are enhancing New Jersey's pioneer status in the fight against autism spectrum disorders by bolstering our arsenal of programs, training, education, and research, " said Governor Jon S. Corzine. " This is an opportunity for New Jersey to become a model for other states in researching the nature of autism and its causes as well as in treating those with these disorders. " " More importantly, through these initiatives, we will be enabling those impacted by autism spectrum disorders to function as independent, productive, and empowered individuals. " The rate and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in New Jersey is disproportionately high. While experts estimate the national rate has increased to about 1 in 150 children, the incidence in New Jersey is approximately 1 in 95. " With new studies showing New Jersey with the highest reported autism rates in the country, it is critically important that the state do all it can to help the growing number of individuals and families confronting autism spectrum disorders, " said Assembly Speaker ph J. , Jr. (D-Camden) who championed the legislative effort to improve the detection, treatment and awareness of autism in New Jersey. " For families whose loved ones are locked in the grasp of this disorder, today's action sends a reassuring message of hope that New Jersey is working to do more to improve its safety net of services and care, " said. " These measures will enable New Jersey to address the startling number of children being diagnosed with autism and they will allow us to extend a helping hand to countless autistic young adults and others who have aged out of the state's special education system. " " A diagnosis of autism or developmental disability presents real challenges for parents and caregivers, " said Senator Ellen Karcher (D-Mercer/Monmouth). " While the medical community seeks to find answers to the causes of autism and developmental disability, states have an obligation to promote programs which help those living with the disability. These new lifesaving laws will help families deal with the hardships of caring for individuals with autism. " " According to federal statistics, New Jersey has the highest number of autism cases in the nation, " said Senator Loretta Weinberg, (D-Bergen). " We are still learning about the autism spectrum disorders, but while we are learning, we must be able to provide much-needed assistance to families living with autism. As the number of residents living with autism increases, we must have the resources in place to provide them with support programs and work to find ways to decrease the incidence of autism in New Jersey. " The Governor signed A4055/S2558, providing for teacher training in awareness and instruction methods for students with autism and other developmental disabilities for candidates for teaching certificates, current teachers and paraprofessionals. The Commissioner of Education will develop recommendations to address a variety of issues including the characteristics of students with autism and other developmental disabilities; curriculum planning, assistive technology; and inclusive educational practices. " In a state with high autism rates, it's imperative that educators have the tools to recognize autism and help children with this confounding disorder, " said Assemblyman Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), a veteran teacher with a master's in education. " Teachers are an untapped resource in this state's growing efforts to help children and adults with autism. " Other primary bill sponsors in the Assembly were: Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle (District 37) and Assemblywoman Joan Voss (District 38). Primary Senate sponsors were: Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator Ellen Karcher (District 12). Governor Corzine also signed A4056/S2568, requiring the Early Intervention Program in the Department of Health and Senior Services to address the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. These activities involve developing guidelines for health care professionals to use in evaluating infants and toddlers for autism, ensuring the timely referral by health care professionals of infants and toddlers suspected of being on the autism spectrum to the Early Intervention Program and collecting data on statewide autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems. " By establishing comprehensive guidelines for New Jersey pediatricians to use in the evaluation and referral of autistic children, we can ensure appropriate treatment for infants and toddlers as soon as possible, " said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden). " For autistic children, early detection is the key to ensuring proper care. " Other primary bill sponsors in the Assembly were: Assemblyman Panter (District 12); Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle (District 37) and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (District 6). Primary Senate sponsors were: Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator Ellen Karcher (District 12) Governor Corzine signed A4057/S2559, establishing the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The purpose of the task force is to study, evaluate, and develop recommendations relating to specific actionable measures to support and meet the needs of adults with autism. These include job training and placement, housing, and long-term care. " New Jersey faces new challenges created by the rise in adults classified with autism including the need for job training and placement, housing and long-term care, " said Assemblyman Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex). " It's critical that we strengthen the community of support for adults living with this lifelong disease. " Other primary Assembly sponsors were: Assemblywoman Joan Voss (District 38) and Assemblyman McKeon (District 27). Primary sponsors in the Senate were: Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator Ellen Karcher (District 12). In addition, Governor Corzine signed S/698A4054, which makes changes to the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Infantile Autism, renaming it the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. " There are going to be new challenges created by a growing number of adults who are being classified with autism, " said Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen). " The numbers clearly indicate that we need to step up our efforts to help the thousands of families in this state that have loved ones with autism disorders. " Other primary sponsors in the Assembly were: Assemblyman Schaer (District 36); and Assemblyman McKeon (District 27). Primary sponsors in the Senate were: Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator Joe Vitale (District 19). Governor Corzine signed A4059/S2569, extending funding for autism medical research and treatment. The bill eliminates the five-year " sunset " for the $1 surcharge established under P.L.2003, c.144 for each motor vehicle fine and penalty imposed by the court, which is deposited in the " Autism Medical Research and Treatment Fund. " The fund provides the financial support funding for the grant and contract awards of the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. " More than ever, New Jersey needs to muster more attention and resources to help families, school districts, communities, and health care providers deal with the challenge of rising autism diagnosis rates, " said Assemblyman Mayer (D-Gloucester/Camden). Other primary Assembly sponsors were: Assemblywoman Joan Voss (District 38); Assemblyman Jim Whelan (District 2) and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (District 6). Primary Senate sponsors were Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator ph Coniglio (District 38). The Governor also signed A2306/S2723 requiring the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to maintain a registry of reported autism diagnoses. The DHSS, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, will maintain an up-to-date registry to include a record of all reported cases of autism that occur in New Jersey; each reported case of autism in which the initial diagnosis is changed, lost, or considered misdiagnosed; and any other information DHSS deems relevant and appropriate to conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of autism, to enable analysis of this problem, and to plan for and provide services to children with autism and their families. " New Jersey has the nation's highest reported rates of autism and this presents new challenges for families, schools and our state's health-care network, " said Assemblyman McKeon (D-Essex). " This registry will serve as an invaluable tool for the state to monitor autism cases while ensuring that New Jersey continues to provide services to meet the needs of the state's growing autism community. " Other primary bill sponsors in the Assembly were Assemblyman Albano (District 1) and Assemblywoman Joan Voss (District 38). Primary sponsors in the Senate were: Senator Ciesla (District 10) and Senator DianE (District 7). Governor Corzine also signed A2291/S690, which establishes an Asperger's Syndrome Pilot Initiative in the Department of Human Services. The initiative will provide vocational, educational and social training services to persons with Asperger's Syndrome. This will be accomplished through community-based service sites which offer appropriate support; guidance and education that will enable these individuals to further their education achieve gainful employment and become broadly competent adults who are able to lead fulfilling lives. " Asperger's Syndrome was only recognized in the United States in 1994, 60 years after many European countries confirmed its existence, " said Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen), whose adult son has Asperger's. " There are so many adults and young adults who were misdiagnosed over the years because there wasn't a correct diagnosis for what was troubling them and there were no programs to meet their needs. This pilot program will be a model to help people with Asperger's acquire the socialization skills they need so they can enjoy productive and happy lives. " Other primary bill sponsors in the Assembly were: Assembly-man Gordon (District 38) and Assemblyman Munoz (District 21). Primary sponsors in the Senate were: Senator Loretta Weinberg (District 37) and Senator Ellen Karcher (District 12). 25. REPORT EXAMINES DISPROPORTIONATE MINORITY CONTACT With funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency has issued the report " Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Justice System: A Study of Differential Minority Arrest/Referral to Court in Three Cities. " The report draws on information from delinquency studies in Pittsburgh, PA, Rochester, NY, and Seattle, WA, to examine disproportionate minority contact and factors that might affect it at the police contact/court referral level. 26. INSIGHTS FROM THE PHILANTHROPY FORUM Child Advocacy 360 SmartBrief Click here to read today's Child Advocacy 360 SmartBrief http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=46479 & l=5341992 LEGISLATION Two states - only two - foot bill for foster kids after 18 ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE .. California group matches faces with families .. children's last resort: Finding the lost relatives Click here to read today's Child Advocacy 360 SmartBrief http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=46479 & l=5341992 27. ONDCP'S PARENT CHRONICLES INITIATIVE 1 The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is launching a campaign targeting parents to help them bridge the generation gap with their teen. The Parent Chronicles initiative will help parents gain insight into the pressures and influences their child is exposed to, and offer tips on keeping teens safe from risky situations, including drug use. We are relying on organizations and stakeholders like you to promote and help explain the importance of engaging parents in this initiative. There are interactive elements which your organization can use to promote the Parent Chronicles features available through www.TheAntiDrug.com/ ParentChronicles. This includes a five-minute video about the " gap " , action item assignments for parents designed to help them get better connected with their teen, a parent-to parent forum for parents to share what they have learned, an ongoing advice column written by parenting expert Alison Birnbaum, a pop-culture quiz for parents to test their knowledge, and a monthly Parenting Tips newsletter. All elements of the Parent Chronicles initiative, plus additional background information, and downloads for community organizations are outlined in the Parent Chronicles Action Kit. This kit can help you bring important prevention messages to your community. Visit www.MediaCampaign.org. parent_chronicles to download and share with your members. The Kit will be updated with additional items for communities in September. We want your feedback! Let us know if you used our Parent Chronicles Action Kit and if you found the resources in it to be helpful by sending an email to nyac@... (include Parent Chronicles in the subject line). Tell us if there are ways we can improve the kit to make it more useful to you or if there are new items you would like added. 28. URGENT ACTION ALERT ON CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE House Vote on SCHIP Is Imminent The House of Representatives voted on the House-Senate compromise that would extend and expand health care coverage to low-income children through the State's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The bill (H.R. 976, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act) would provide $35 billion over five years (see the Bazelon Center's August 6 Mental Health Policy Reporter). The Senate will vote on the compromise bill later this week. Bill Adds Parity for Children's Coverage This critical bill would for the first time establish parity for mental health benefits in SCHIP plans. It would also provide a six-month moratorium on the Administration's effort to restrict Medicaid rehabilitative services and school-based services, as outlined in the President's fiscal year 2008 budget proposal and proposed regulations released by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. These two provisions are important victories. With President Bush threatening to veto SCHIP legislation, it is imperative to garner a veto-proof vote in both the House and Senate. Your call is needed now! Please Call Today! Urge your Representative to vote for the State Children's Health Insurance Program bill. A simple message to help extend health insurance to 4 million more uninsured children! Use the toll-free number 1-800-828-0498 to connect to the Capitol switchboard and ask for your Representative's office. To find out who your Representative is, access www.congress.org or www.house.gov and enter your zip code. 29. HISPANIC TEENS MORE LIKELY TO USE DRUGS Hispanic Teens More Likely Than Whites, Blacks to Use Drugs http://members.jointogether.org/ct/PpxbyC91HmVJ/ A new report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy finds that Hispanic youth are more likely to use illicit drugs than white or black teens and says trying to adapt to American culture may be the cause. Connect Kids to Communities to Prevent Crime http://members.jointogether.org/ct/Q1xbyC91HmVD/ Juvenile-justice systems need to involve communities and family members in connecting youth to mentors, jobs, and community services to prevent crime and addiction. 30. PUBLIC SCHOOL PRACTICES FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION & REDUCTION This report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), (1) examines principals' reports of the prevalence of formal practices in public schools designed to prevent or reduce school violence and (2) describes the distribution of these practices by selected school characteristics. This analysis is based on schoollevel data reported by principals participating in the school year 2003-04 School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS) administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Findings from the analysis indicate that schools implemented a variety of school violence prevention and reduction practices and that some practices were more commonly used than others. For example, 59 percent of schools formally obtained parental input on policies related to school crime and 50 percent provided parental training to deal with students' problem behaviors. In addition, practices differed by school level and other selected school characteristics. For example, high schools were more likely than primary schools to implement safety and security procedures, while primary schools were more likely than high schools to promote training for parents to deal with students' problem behavior. To download, view and print the publication as a PDF file, please visit: http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2007010 31. SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE AT FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY Presented by Friends' Health Connection & Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey LDA of NJ will offer three (3) NJ Department of Education Professional Development Hours $25 per person 32. STUDENTS LEARN THE SCIENCE OF DRUG ABUSE Classes are officially in session, but parents and teachers can still supplement student studies. Now students can learn about the science of drug abuse, and teachers can receive help with lesson planning, by ordering FREE publications from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA, part of the National Institutes of Health, has created a health education campaign to keep students, parents, and educators in the loop all year long. Now in its fifth year, the NIDA Goes Back to School campaign is the source for FREE publications that teach students of all ages about the consequences of drug abuse. Students can journey through the brain and body to learn about the effects of drug abuse. Parents can get tips on talking to their children about the dangers of drugs. And teachers can enhance classroom activities with colorful handouts, informative magazines, and student and teacher editions of new publications. And there's more. NIDA recently adapted its materials to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking populations. The Institute offers a variety of FREE Spanish-language materials for students, parents, and teachers. Order these FREE publications for individual use, or place a bulk order to add a measure of science to your classroom activities or special events. To order: .. Visit www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=czznvecab.0.xzhnuecab.nrrxv6bab.21983 & ts =S0276 & p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov .. Call 1-800-729-6686, 1-877-767-8432 (Español), or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD). .. Send bulk publication requests to information@.... Please share this message with others via e-mail, e-newsletter, newsletter, or listserv. For more information, please visit www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=czznvecab.0.xzhnuecab.nrrxv6bab.21983 & t s=S0276 & p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov 33. NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM ISSUES CONSENUS STANDARDS FOR TREATMENT http://members.jointogether.org/ct/TpxbyC91FXCz/ Recognizing the devastating toll substance use conditions take on our nation's health, the National Quality Forum, for the first time ever, released a groundbreaking set of endorsed national voluntary consensus standards on evidence-based practices to treat substance use conditions. 34. OXYGEN THERAPY STORY FROM HAWAII By Beth Hillyer HONOLULU (KHNL) - A new treatment is giving hope to parents of children diagnosed with autism.We meet with a family whose child's development is improving thanks to the benefits of oxygen therapy. Some are talking for the first time, and interacting with their families. There is new hope for autistic children treated with oxygen therapy in pressurized chambers. The 7-year-old child crawls into her play cave, nicknamed her blue tunnel. A therapist stays with her. A new study proves spending time in capsules at the Hyperbaric Medical Center helps autistic children. Study Coordinator Helen McCracken explains, " There are high incidents of autism in children 1 in 150 and we just can't ignore it and we felt here at the center it was important to do the study. " Alyshia Busby's daughter completed the study, " We saw some amazin results from the first round of treatment. We have been through the gamut of treatment from biomedical to dietary, conventional, unconventional, we have done it all and this was the first time we have actually seen immediate undeniable results. " McCracken demonstrates how it works, " These children are in this chamber pressurized down to about 18 feet of seawater and they wear a mask. It gives them 100 percent oxygen and at this level are the healing properties of hyperbaric therapy. " For the Busby's the results are amazing, " Everything from spontaneous language to attention and focus increase. " The families completed 20 hours of therapy, now most are continuing successful sessions in the blue tunnel. 35. NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK IS OCT. 21 - 27 PACER's second annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week includes an expanded effort to reach schools nationwide. Exciting new activities, information, and contests will engage youth, educators, and parents in creating a safer world for children with and without disabilities. Cosponsors are National PTA, National Education Association, American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, and School Social Work Association of America. States, schools, and organizations are invited to be partners in the week by contacting bullying411@.... 36. DRAFT LANGUAGE FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT REAUTHORIZATION IS AVAILABLE The House Education and Labor Committee, chaired by Rep. (D-Calif.), released a staff discussion draft of all titles of the No Child Left Behind Act in early September. The Senate has set a target date of Oct. 4 for releasing its version of the bill. The House draft language is available online. 37. VIDEOS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PREPARE FOR DISASTER People with special needs or disabilities may need to make specific preparations for emergencies. A new Homeland Security video provides helpful information on how to do so. 38. CONFERENCE SCHIP BILL ALLOWS FUNDS TO SBHC A 300-page compromise between the U.S. House and Senate on reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that was approved by the House September 25 and was expected to pass the Senate yesterday includes language allowing states to use SCHIP funds for " items and services furnished through school-based health centers. " http://www.healthinschools.org 39. NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM DIRECTORY Dear Colleagues: Governor Corzine and I have committed to direct more of our resources to programs that strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. Over the past 20 months, we have grown services markedly-and more is coming. The Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships (DPCP), under the direction of Darrell Armstrong, has become a grant-making and best-practices center, funding innovative and evidence-based services across New Jersey designed to keep children safe and make families stronger. We are building one of the country's only statewide continuums of publicly supported family success centers in neighborhoods throughout NJ. We launched our Differential Response pilot program earlier this month and its beginning to provide meaningful aid to families before they ever become involved with the child protection system. And we've grown home visitation programs, domestic violence services, and school-linked services for adolescents. Within a few weeks, we'll be announcing a new round of home visitation grants and issuing Requests for Proposal to support evidence-based programs that improve family functioning and outreach programs that serve teens in high crime communities. Because we want to maximize utilization of our new services, we have developed a new Community Program Directory that inventories all of the programs supported by DPCP, county by county. You can access and download this directory on our Web site homepage, www.nj.gov/dcf, and directly at http://nj.gov/dcf/prevention/ directory.html, where we will continuously update it. I hope you will use these services to strengthen families all across New Jersey, and I urge you to watch the Web site for frequent updates as our programs grow. Commissioner, Department of Children and Families 40. SUICIDE IN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS SPIKED In the United States, youth suicide rates increased by 14% between 2003 and 2004, the largest year-to-year change in suicide rates in this population since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began systematically collecting suicide data in 1979. More research is needed to determine definitively whether suicide rates are increasing as a result of the decrease in SSRI prescription rates. 41. KIDSPEACE TOLD TO MAKE CHANGES The state is giving KidsPeace six months to fix its problems at two Lehigh Valley centers or face losing its license to counsel troubled youths. After five months in which police were called to KidsPeace dozens of times, and seven injuries occurred when counselors tried to restrain residents, the Department of Public Welfare is putting KidsPeace on a provisional license while the organization sets new policies that better protect its young residents. 42. MONEY WI$E TRAINING Family Self-Sufficiency in collaboration with Consumer Action and Capital One Will Present A Financial Education Roundtable Train the Trainer WORKSHOP TOPICS: IDENTITY THEFT, CREDIT & CREDIT REPAIR AND HOW TO TALK TO YOUR TEENS ABOUT MONEY Date: November 15, 2007 Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Place: Courtyard by marriott 15 Blvd. Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 If you have any questions, call 973-989-1703 and speak with Deborah. See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. 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