National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention

New Resource for 2004 SS/HS grantees
A new evaluation resource is now available to 2004 SS/HS grantees. The newly formed Evaluation Team is comprised of experienced SS/HS local evaluators and will, through workshops, electronic resource sharing, and site visits, deliver comprehensive and targeted technical assistance regarding any evaluation issue.
To learn all about requesting technical assistance and training from the Evaluation Team, click here. http://www.promoteprevent.org/technical_assistance_contacts/
sshs/eval_team_2004.htm

Recent National Conference Recaps

Coalition for Community Schools
The Coalition’s National Forum, “Community Schools: The Time is Now!,” advanced the vision of schools as centers of their communities. Presenters and attendees shared ideas, approaches, and strategies to strengthen ongoing community school efforts or inform new ones. In addition, several SS/HS grantees sites attended the Forum – the community schools model shows potential as an effective systems change approach to sustainability of SS/HS initiatives. To access conference highlights and follow-up discussions, visit http://communityschools.org.

National Center staff at the National Forum hosted a session linking the SS/HS initiative with the community schools model. Click below to access the presentation:

Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS)
http://www.apbs.org/main.htm
The Second International Conference on Positive Behavior Support brought together researchers, school-based practitioners, and family members interested in the applications of PBS with individuals with or at risk of developing problem behavior. Attendees provided a great opportunity for sharing knowledge on the applications of positive behavior support.
For more information about the conference, visit http://www.apbs.org/Archives/Conferences/secondconference/confanncmnt.htm.

This month, we highlight another important National Center Technical Partner. Technical Partner organizations provide valuable consultation and input to our technical assistance activities.

National Association of School Psychologists
http://nasponline.org/
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports school psychology through leadership to enhance the mental health and education competence of all children. NASP provides resources that promote prevention and early intervention through problem solving, collaboration, and research-based strategies. Their programs and services include legislation and policy updates, opportunities for professional growth, standards and certification materials, and books and publications.

These and other services are available on the NASP website, including fact sheets and position papers on crisis response, bullying prevention, cultural competence, and more, a career center for employers and job-seekers, training and certification information, and advocacy programs.

NASP will be featured in the next Technical Partners Teleconference Event:
“From the Broom Closet to Full System Acceptance”
April 13th, 1:00pm (EST)
This event will highlight best strategies for successfully integrating mental health into schools to create a comprehensive range and a coordinated system of mental health services, with a focus on how schools and community agencies work together effectively. Ted Feinberg, NASP Assistant Executive Director, will moderate the session, which will also feature 2 SS/HS grantees and 1 TCE Prevention/Early Intervention site.
For more information or to register, contact info@promoteprevent.org.

Rural collaborative creates cohesive network despite distances
Colleen MacRae, Project Director
Melissa Perreault, Assistant Project Director
Stephen-Argyle SS/HS
Minnesota

National Youth Violence Prevention Week: April 4-8, 2005
Founded by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E) and GuidanceChannel.com, the National Youth Violence Prevention Campaign aims to raise awareness and educate students, teachers, school staff, parents, and the public on the effective ways to prevent youth violence. During this week-long initiative, various activities will demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their schools and communities safer. Each day of the week will focus on a specific violence prevention strategy: promoting respect and tolerance; managing anger; resolving conflicts peacefully; supporting safety; and uniting in action. The Campaign website also provides media and action kits, articles and interviews, and a newsletter.
For more information, visit the Campaign website at http://www.violencepreventionweek.org/index.html

Rural mental health symposium this June
The American Institutes for Research is hosting a Federally Funded Rural Mental Health Symposium in Jackson Hole, WY, June 7-9. The symposium will bring together systems of care communities, grantees representing other federal initiatives such as SS/HS, federal representatives, and partner organizations to explore promising practices for the delivery of comprehensive mental health services in rural areas.
For registration and other information, visit https://www.dbconsultinggroup.com/cmhs/wyoming/

Guide for crisis response in schools
A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools, published by The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, introduces Acute Traumatic Stress Management (ATSM), a practical and effective strategy for addressing the emotional needs of people during traumatic events. The Guide may be used in preparation for and during crisis situations.
The book is available for purchase online at http://www.schoolcrisisresponse.com/

Task Force evaluates the effectiveness of community interventions to prevent violence
In a February 2005 supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services evaluated three community intervention approaches to violence prevention – firearm laws, early childhood home visitation, and therapeutic foster care. The Task Force found that home visitation has shown beneficial effect on preventing child maltreatment and that program-intensive foster care was effective for chronically delinquent juveniles. The report includes guidance on how to interpret and use the Task Force’s recommendations.
For a copy of this report, email news@promoteprevent.org.

The Grant Opportunities page http://www.promoteprevent.org/events/grant_opportunities/ is regularly updated with new announcements of available public and private grant competitions.

We regularly add to a detailed listing of conferences and events occurring within the Center and across the nation. Please visit the Events page for listings.