The lives of all children and adolescents intersect with schools and the educational system in a profound fashion. Schools are a critical melting pot of social identity, a crucible of socialization, and are central to the cognitive and academic developmental trajectories of America’s children. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can optimally contribute when they are better informed of the multiple dimensions of school and educational life, the nature of the education system, and the evidence-based intervention strategies available to support the health promotion and recovery for children in need of school-linked supports and interventions.

This day-long program explores the psychological, psychosocial, and psycho-educational needs of children and adolescents as manifest in their experiences in the schools. Attendees review policy and best practice considerations in regards to health promotion, screening, assessment, and treatment intervention for students and student groups, with the goal of advancing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes so they can better function as service providers and systems consultants for youth and their school systems. The program informs participants of behavioral health needs and service capabilities in the education system and describes evidence-based and clinically-informed interventions.

Travel scholarships, sponsored by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services, are available to child and adolescent psychiatry residents who are AACAP members. The scholarship includes $750 for travel expenses to the AACAP's 59th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please go to: http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/medical_students_and_residents/residents/2012_systems_of_care_special_program_scholarship.

If you have questions about the Systems of Care Special Program or the scholarships, please contact Adriano Boccanelli at 202.587.9671 or aboccanelli@aacap.org.