Annual spring conference to focus on behavioral health services for children, youth and young adults

Developing comprehensive behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults and families will be the subject of the annual spring conference of Community Care, a nonprofit behavioral health managed care organization that is part of UPMC and based in Pittsburgh.

"Creating Hope: Developing Communities of Care for Children, Youth, Young Adults and Families," will put special emphasis on successful programs both regionally and nationally. Presenters will provide information for health care clinicians, families, and communities to promote positive behavioral health and to address children's behavioral health topics.  

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 14 million American adolescents (or, roughly 1 in 5) have a mental health disorder.

"Behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults and families can be challenging, complex, and effective," said James Gavin, President of Community Care. "The development of comprehensive services is essential for managing behavioral health symptoms and for the well-being of individuals in the home, school and community."  

Marc Cherna, the director of Allegheny County Department of Human Services, will be one of two keynote speakers at the conference. He will discuss the success of many Allegheny County behavioral health initiatives and the continued growth of children and youth programs.

Lucille Eber, the Illinois State Director of Positive Behavior Support, will discuss emerging interagency school and community-based models that connect effective learning and behavior change with system-of-care principles.

Among the scheduled workshops are sessions on adolescent substance use, engaging families in interventions, leadership in service plans, and integrating care for foster children.

Continuing education credit is available for mental health professionals, national certified counselors, psychologists, social workers, and educators who attend the conference. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 23, 2010, at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Tuition is $95 for behavioral health professionals. The conference is free for Community Care members and their families as well as medical residents and other students.