Washington, DC—The Department of Behavioral Health announced the 2014 Summit on Evidence-Based Programs for Children, Youth and their families will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at the Washington Convention Center.  Evidence based programs refer to therapeutic practices shown to improve a child’s functioning in the home, school or community.

Hundreds of participants who work in mental health or substance use practices including social workers, clinicians and juvenile justice workers along with child advocates and government policy makers are expected to attend the all-day conference.  Registration begins July 1, 2014.

Nationally known children’s mental health expert Beth A. Stroul, M.Ed., President, Management & Training Innovations, Inc., is the keynote speaker.  She is co-author of “A System of Care for Children and Adolescents with Severe Mental Emotional Disturbances”.

Hundreds of District youth currently benefit from Evidence-Based Programs provided by specially trained mental health providers.  Services include treatment for children and youth who experience violence and trauma; therapy that focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship, and psychotherapy that addresses the unique needs of children with depression, behavior problems and other difficulties related to traumatic life experiences.   In the last three years, more than 100 clinicians have been trained to deliver eight evidence-based services at community mental health clinics.   This year’s Summit will introduce a new Evidenced-Based Program to address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders among youth.   

 “We know that these programs make a difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health.  “We want families to know about them, and we want every child serving organization, the Family Court and the Police Department to know that they are available and make referrals when appropriate.”

 For the first time, the Summit will include a focus on developing youth leaders ages 14-25 years old, sustaining youth led organizations, and supporting youth expression through the arts. 

  The Department of Behavioral Health provides a range of services for children and youth including a 24/7 emergency mobile service for children experiencing an emotional or psychiatric crisis at home, in school or in the community.  The Department also works closely with the District Child and Family Services Agency to meet the mental health needs of children in the child welfare system.  Please call 1-888-793-4357 or go to www.dbh.dc.gov for more information.

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