In New York State, more than 300,000 children live with a serious mental health condition. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week was created to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and to show that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth. Please see the attached brochure for more details. (May 5, 2015)
Governor Cuomo Proclaims May 5th-12th as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in New York State
For more information please visit our Mental Health section.
TIPS FOR EVERY PARENT
• Show children love often— by saying it, writing notes, and providing comfort.
• Children like to hear what their parents like about them. Say out loud gratitude and appreciations of children. Help them feel good about successes with “you” messages.
• PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! (Parents need it too!)
• Make time for activities outside, especially where trees are present.
• Provide clear expectations for your children and give your child rules and chores.
• Children like for their parents to work towards health and happiness. Make time to refuel and energize yourself.
• Children need models in courage.
• Talk to your children about kindness toward others and model doing something nice for others.
For more information about Children’s Social Emotional Health
• www.mentalhealthamerica.net/every-child-needs
• www.nemours.org/service/health/growuphealthy/emotion/
• www.csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html
•www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/stress_center.html
• www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/
• www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html
•www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/mentalhealth.html
• www.zerotothree.org/parenting-resources/MOEM/
• www.zerotothree.org/about-us/areas-of-expertise/
free-parent-brochures-and-guides/
Early Recognition & Screening Program
The Early Recognition, Coordination and Screening Initiative cultivates cooperative relationships with local primary care practices, schools and other community-based programs, to promote early identification through social emotional developmental screening and linkages to services. Thirty-seven providers throughout NYS receive funds from the NYS Office of Mental Health to support a full time early recognition specialist.
What does the Early Recognition Screening Initiative offer?
• Screening: With parental consent, a free and confidential social and emotional screening to check that children are on the right track for healthy development. Screenings may take place in a school, health center or other locations in the community
• After the screening, responses are evaluated. Families of children who are identified as needing support are given referral information to agencies that can provide further assessment and treatment.
• Educational presentations and programming to promote social emotional wellness and combat stigma.
For more information about an ERS program in your area, contact:
Kate Provencher
ERS Coordinator NYS Office of Mental Health
518-474-4039
