Free Braille Books Program -- (01-09-09) -- In 1997, the AAF started this program to provide blind children a free Braille book every month from a popular children's reading series. The books are for the children to keep and collect for as long as they want them. Blind youth, blind parents, teachers of the blind, schools, and libraries serving the blind are eligible to participate in this program.

Hand in Hand: Academic Success and Social Success -- (04-23-09) -- A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that children's academic accomplishments are directly related to their emotional health. The report recommends that schools use the resources they already have on hand to provide mental health services for students, but need to focus on making these services a part of the mainstream academic experiences for more students.

FosterClub's Guide for Young People in Foster Care: Getting Through the Holidays -- (12-19-07) -- Lots of people talk about how stressful the holidays can be. But it can be REALLY tough for young people in foster care. This guide includes 10 tips for youth in foster care, developed by young people who know first-hand what it's like.

Youths and Young Adults Experiencing a Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year More Likely to Initiate Alcohol and Other Drug Use -- (12-12-07) -- Youths and young adults who experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year are more likely to have also used alcohol or illicit drugs for the first time in the past year.

Prozac Can Help Teens with Co-occurring Addictions, Mental Illness, Researchers Say -- (11-16-07) -- Adolescents with co-occurring addictions and depression can benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and fluoxetine (Prozac) in cases where therapy alone does not appear to be improving their depressive symptoms.

Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment -- (04-02-07) -- This free, bilingual kit helps families with 3- to 5-year-olds cope with challenges and concerns related to pre-deployment, deployment, and homecoming. Including a DVD with the beloved Muppets from Sesame Street, and a magazine and poster for parents or caregivers.

Impact of Trauma on the Developing Child - HANDOUTS from Feb. 13, 2008 -- (02-20-08) -- Abigail Gewirtz, Ph.D., Family Social Science faculty member at the University of Minnesota and Project Director of the Minnesota Child Response Center, will be leading this workshop on trauma and its impact on the developing child. Dr. Jodi Boerger will be hosting a follow-up discussion (12:30 – 1:30 pm) with a free box lunch regarding the content of the training.

** Newsletter Notice ** -- (12-21-07) -- There will be no newsletter the week of December 24th.

2007 Annual Meeting PowerPoint Presentations -- (11-02-07) -- These are the PowerPoint presentations from the 2007 Council of Collaboratives Annual Meeting that was held on October 31, 2007 at the Bede Ballroom, University of Minnesota, Crookston.

OCS Celebration Calendar -- (03-31-09) -- This calendar is a representation of life in Northwestern Minnesota, recognizing and celebrating our differences as part of what makes this such a special place to live. UPDATED to add the Braille version.

Offering Technical Assistance to American Indian and Alaskan Native families: Clues From a Focus Group -- (11-14-07) -- This 24-page report provides information about the culturally specific technical assistance needs of Native American Families.

MDH Emergency Preparedness - Chart/Map -- (05-01-08) -- Public Health, Healthcare, and Behavioral Health Preparedness Regions and Teams Three-in-one: a single chart/map showing regional RHRCs, PHPCs, and RBHCs.

Homeless adults and their children in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota 2006 -- (11-05-07) -- This study gives a snapshot of the people experiencing homelessness in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota on a single day in October 2006.

Time-sensitive: Hepatitis A Outbreak -- (10-26-07) -- This is to inform you of a hepatitis A outbreak involving several cases and a number of possible exposure situations for residents of numerous Minnesota counties.

Talking to Children About Swine Flu (H1N1): A Parent Resource - PDF/Audio Versions -- (05-06-09) -- Handout for parents on talking with kids about the swine flu: The National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) have partnered to develop and disseminate a handout for parents on talking to their children about the Swine Flu virus.

Webinar: The Brain On Drugs March 25th, 2010: 12:00-1:00 PM CST -- (03-01-10) -- What really happens when drugs get into the bloodstream and to the brain? Do brain cells really die? Are the results different for adults and children, men and women? What has brain research taught us about drug prevention?

Senate Takes up FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill -- (06-15-09) -- This legislation would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products.

National Survey Finds a Decrease in the Percentage of Adolescents Seeing Substance Use Prevention Messages in the Media -- (04-27-09) -- A new national report issued during National Alcohol Awareness Month provides both discouraging and encouraging news about the state of efforts to inform young people about the risks of underage drinking and illicit substances.

Adolescent Development and Alcohol: Brain, Body, Behavior and Cultural Context - April 23, 2009 -- (03-13-09) -- In part two of our look at the interaction between alcohol and the developing adolescent brain, we will discuss not only the latest research on the pre-adolescent and adolescent brain, but also other aspects of adolescent physiology and psychosocial development and how they interact in response to alcohol exposure. This information can help enhance work with law enforcement, parents, communities and decision makers. Given developmental determinants, the question of how teens would be expected to interpret conflicting environmental messages underscores the need to be even more focused on environmental strategies.

Navajo Council Votes to Ban Public Smoking -- (07-30-08) -- The Navajo Nation Council has voted to ban use of commercial tobacco in public buildings and shared air spaces at outdoor events, leaving it to Navajo Nation's president to decide whether to sign the measure into law.

Teen Smoking Lower in Towns with Bans -- (05-07-08) -- Teens living in towns with indoor-smoking bans were 40 percent less likely to become regular smokers than those living in communities that allow smokers to light up in restaurants and bars.

NIDA Reports Good Results from Computer Counseling -- (04-30-08) -- A randomized controlled trial has found that addiction patients who received a computer learning program in addition to traditional counseling remained abstinent longer than those who received counseling alone.

Parent Awareness of Youth Use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Marijuana -- (04-24-08) -- The NSDUH Report: Parent Awareness of Youth Use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Marijuana, a 3 page short report, based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides data on substance use by youth as well as their parent's awareness of their substance use by father-only, mother-only, and two parent households.

1,600 Town Hall Meetings on Underage Drinking Scheduled -- (03-26-08) -- The federal government is cosponsoring a series of more than 1,600 town-hall meetings nationwide in March and April focused on the problem of underage drinking.

Model Youth Drinking Prevention Program Less Effective in Urban Community -- (03-24-08) -- A model prevention program that worked well in rural communities did not achieve the same results in curbing drinking among middle-school students in an urban area.

More Than One-Half a Million Adolescents Use Inhalants for the First Time Each Year; Commonly Available Products Most Likely to Be Used -- (03-24-08) -- An annual average of 593,000 adolescents ages 12 to 17 use inhalants for the first time each year, according to combined data from the 2002 to 2006 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Random Student Drug Tests Banned in State of Washington -- (03-18-08) -- The Washington state Constitution prohibits random testing of student athletes for drugs, the state Supreme Court has ruled.

What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools -- (03-18-08) -- From the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, this booklet is "designed to assist educators, parents, and community leaders in determining whether student drug testing is appropriate for their schools."

Alcohol prevention programs needed for 'tweens' -- (03-13-08) -- A study by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the University of Florida suggests that "tweens" should receive alcohol prevention programs prior to sixth grade, when nearly one in six children are already alcohol users.

FY2009 Federal Drug Control Budget Released -- (03-12-08) -- Prevention continues to receive a declining share of the federal drug control budget, according to the National Drug Control Strategy FY2009 Budget Summary released earlier this month by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Researcher Warns of Early Addiction to Cigarettes -- (02-15-08) -- 'Very soon after that first cigarette, adolescents can experience a loss of autonomy over tobacco,' warns researcher Joseph R. DiFranza.

Characteristics of Adolescents Who Use Cannabis But Not Tobacco -- (02-07-08) -- Many patients in treatment for substance use disorders smoke, yet treatment for nicotine dependence in substance abuse treatment settings is uncommon. Researchers evaluated the feasibility of implementing a smoking cessation intervention in substance abuse treatment programs

Prescription Drug Use Among 12th Graders -- (01-15-08) -- 15% of U.S. 12th Graders Have Used Prescription Drugs Nonmedically in the Past Year

Brief Intervention in ER Called Effective -- (01-02-08) -- About a quarter of individuals screened for alcohol misuse in hospital emergency rooms reported unsafe drinking levels, according to a study concluding that hospital-based brief interventions for alcohol problems are effective.

Minorities More Likely to Be Screened for Alcohol Use, Study Says -- (01-02-08) -- Hispanics and African-Americans rarely get superior healthcare compared to white Americans, but a new report finds one exception: primary-care physicians may be more willing to query minorities about their alcohol use than to counsel white patients.

'Reclaiming Futures' Works, Study Says -- (12-14-07) -- The communities that have adopted the Reclaiming Futures intervention model to help teens in trouble with crime, alcohol and other drugs have succeeded in improving the social networks that addiction and criminal-justice agencies use to communicate.

Hard Choices Comic Book -- (12-11-07) -- This special comic book, developed by SAMHSA in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment and the Elks USA, features Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four characters in a battle against underage drinking. Hard Choices urges kids to become real-life heroes by making healthy choices.

Hershey's Mints Resemble Drugs, Police Say -- (12-06-07) -- Hershey's Ice Breakers Pacs -- dissolvable pouches filled with mint-flavored powder -- are being criticized by some law-enforcement officials who say the packaging resembles pouches of illicit cocaine and heroin.

NIDA Launches Public Service Campaign for Hispanic Youth on Link Between Non-Injection Drugs and HIV -- (11-28-07) -- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marks World AIDS Day on December 1st with the launch of its new, national public service campaign to educate Hispanic teens on the link between non-injection drug use and HIV transmission.

Smoking Bans Encourage Quitting -- (11-02-07) -- Public smoking bans help smokers quit both by reducing exposure to nicotine and changing perceptions about behavior.

Helping You to Help Your Patients: An Introduction to Medication for Alcohol Dependence -- (10-03-07) -- This free online activity presents an overview of the latest developments in alcohol dependence, focusing on its epidemiology and the effects of alcohol on the brain. It explores the available pharmacotherapeutic options, explaining how they work with the brain mechanisms involved in alcohol dependence. This activity has been made possible through an educational grant from Alkermes and Cephalon, and has been designated for up to 2.0 CEUs.

Early Childhood Developmental Wheel -- (11-02-07) -- In continuous child find efforts to reach Minnesota children and families on the importance of early childhood intervention, the ever-popular "Developmental Wheel - A Guide to Your Child's First Five Years" has been translated into Spanish, Hmong and Somali. The wheel describes some of the development children have by the time they reach certain ages (birth to five), as well as related nutrition, hearing, speech and language, and vision information. A new component is the list of things that families can do to help their child grow, learn and stay healthy and safe.

Stimulus Guidance Spotlights Teacher Evaluations -- (04-02-09) -- U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today started rolling out $44 billion in economic-stimulus aid for education that comes with new teacher-quality reporting requirements for states and districts, and also with significantly more spending flexibility on school construction than many administrators had expected.

Grants for Coalitions to Prevent and Reduce Alcohol Abuse at Institutions of Higher Education -- (06-15-09) -- This program provides financial assistance for the development, expansion, or enhancement of a statewide coalition. The focus of the coalition will be on preventing and reducing the rate of underage alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, among students at institutions of higher education (IHEs), on campuses and in surrounding communities.

Carbon-monoxide alarms now mandatory in all homes -- (07-30-08) -- Star Tribune: A new law takes effect Friday requiring all single-family homes in Minnesota to have a carbon-monoxide detector within 10 feet of each bedroom.

Peak West Nile virus season is here: Minnesota reports first West Nile virus cases of 2008 -- (07-28-08) -- With the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) disease for 2008 confirmed in three Minnesota residents, state health officials today urged Minnesotans to protect themselves from mosquitoes from now through September.

Surviving Daylight Saving Switch -- (03-03-08) -- Planning ahead and following a few simple steps can help you minimize the impact of lost sleep when the clocks go ahead one hour on March 9, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

January is ideal time to test home for radon, health officials say -- (01-11-08) -- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and nearly one in three Minnesota homes contain potentially harmful levels of the tasteless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in rock and soils. The only way to know for sure if your home has it is to test for it, say Minnesota health officials, and January is an ideal time to do it

Involving Families of Youth Who Are in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System -- (11-14-07) -- This 6 page Research and Program Brief published by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice offers insights into the way families experience the juvenile justice system and suggestions for juvenile justice system staff and families to work together in every stage of the system.

Applying for free weatherization aid -- (06-23-09) -- Families earning no more than 50 percent of the state median income may qualify. (That would be $40,738 or less for a family of four.) Priority is given to households with at least one elderly or disabled member, and to homes with high heating bills.

Know of a "shovel ready" pedestrian or bike project? -- (03-02-09) -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the federal stimulus act, is providing $500 million to Minnesota for "shovel-ready" transportation projects. The funding is being managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Public Health Funds in Economic Recovery Act -- (02-19-09) -- Information regarding funding for prevention included in the economic recovery legislation.

Medicare Mental Health Parity Approved -- (07-10-08) -- The Senate joined the House in passing the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) by a veto-proof 69-30. When enacted, the bill will end a longstanding requirement that affects Medicare beneficiaries who need outpatient mental health services.

New Report Calls For Mental Health To Be Better Integrated Into Primary Care -- (10-08-08) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) and The World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca) released a joint report that aims to offer help to hundreds of millions of people who are affected by mental disorders but cannot receive the care and treatment they need.

TIDE - Loads of Hope Dispatched to FM and Surrounding Area -- (04-23-09) -- Good news! We are dispatching the TIDE- Loads of Hope truck to the FM area & it will be located at the Hornbacher's-Osgood store. This is a FREE service.

PSAs Educate Parents and Target Potential Predators -- (12-17-08) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has announced four new public service announcements (PSAs) to help prevent online crimes against children.

PSAs Educate Parents and Target Potential Predators -- (12-17-08) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has announced four new public service announcements (PSAs) to help prevent online crimes against children.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) -- (12-15-08) -- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will be available to assist MN families again this year.

VITA Income Tax Help -- (01-07-08) -- With tax season approaching, there is a service available that will assist low to moderate income families and individuals file their taxes for free. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will be visiting EGF, Crookston and Warren throughout Feb., March, and April. They will e-file taxes for clients and refunds can be expected usually within 5-10 business days.

Medicaid Definition of Covered Case Mgmt Services Clarified -- (01-07-08) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) interim final rule with comment period (IFC) implementing section 6052 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) clarifies the Medicaid definition of covered case management and targeted case management (TCM) services. The rule includes measures to address concerns about improper billing of non-Medicaid services to the Medicaid program by some states, while also including significant beneficiary protections that ensure comprehensive and coordinated services to meet the needs of beneficiaries.

National Bullying Prevention Week - Oct. 21-27, 2007 - Restorative Justice Referral Form -- (10-19-07) -- National Bullying Prevention Awareness is Oct. 21-27, 2007. Should you need any assistance in presenting materials or helping resolve conflict in your schools using Restorative Justice Practices, please find the revised referral form available within this article.

Recruiting Local People to Fill Health Care Needs -- (08-22-07) -- Frontier and rural health care providers looking for innovative ways to solve increasing workforce shortages are sometimes finding that help is as near as their own backyards: by recruiting and training local people to be health care professionals in their communities.

Spotlight On... Norman-Mahnomen Public Health -- (12-14-07) -- The Norman-Mahnomen Public Health is working hard at getting the word out to the public about getting their flu shots!

Spotlight On... Win-E-Mac Public School District #2609: Project Lead the Way News -- (11-09-07) -- Something new and exciting is taking place at the Win-E-Mac School. In an effort to involve our school in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives, the Win-E-Mac School has made a commitment to the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum.

Web tool gives students voice to share hopes and dreams -- (03-20-09) -- Creating video clips with Tel*A*Vision helps kids learn more about themselves and their peers, schools say.

Customer Relationship Management Software Offered to Nonprofits -- (03-31-08) -- MPower has announced that it will offer its open-source customer-relationship management (CRM) software free of license fees to nonprofit organizations.

GoingSmokeFree.org: A Toolkit for Implementing Smoke-Free Laws -- (12-06-07) -- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, has created GoingSmokeFree.org, a free online resource to help states and communities implement smoke-free laws.

Webinar: Higher Learning? Drugs on College Campuses Apr 29, 2010 2-3pm CST -- (04-05-10) -- The college years are a time for exploration and finding one's self. Unfortunately, they're also a time for experimentation, especially into the world of drugs. Some people think partying and college go hand-in-hand, but it doesn't have to be that way. Presented by the Multijurisdictioanl Counterdrug Task Force Training.

Webinar: Drug Courts Feb 25, 2010 2-3pm CST -- (02-01-10) -- Drug courts are an effective way to intervene in the lives of non-violent drug addicts. Instead of focusing on punishment, drug courts focus on treatment and recovery. Presented by the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training.

Webinar: Keeping Faith in Drug Prevention Jan 28, 2010 2-3pm CST -- (01-07-10) -- The faith community can help to get to the people who need the message most. Learn how the faith community and coalitions can work together to reduce substance abuse. Presented by the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training.

Webinar: Meth, Marijuana and Other Drugs of Abuse: Are they all the same? Dec 9, 2009 12:30pm -- (12-04-09) -- Independent of scientific evidence, sometimes we form opinions and make value judgments on which ones are "worse" than others, which in turn influences the laws we make and our attitudes. Should science supersede all value judgments? Webinar includes the extent of medical and physiological effects of different drugs, their impact on an individual psychosocial development.

Webinar: Drug Abuse and the Boomer Generation Dec 17, 2009 2-3pm CST -- (11-30-09) -- Drug abuse affects people of all ages, and America's baby boomer population is no exception. As drug use declines among some younger populations, it is increasing among older adults. Presented by the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training.

Workshop: Engaging the Faith Community in Substance Abuse Nov 5, 2009 Stillwater, MN -- (10-19-09) -- People of Faith: Partners in Prevention is putting on this workshop to assist leaders to identify the role of the faith community in substance abuse prevention, identifying opportunities and learn about a model for developing a Congregational Team Approach to Substance Abuse.

How to Start and Run a Double Trouble in Recovery Group - July 20, 2009 -- (07-08-09) -- This training will help you understand how Double Trouble in Recovery works, its benefits for continuing care, how to select peer leaders and facilitate their efforts to establish and sustain a group.

We Can Parent Together: Tools for engaging fathers, mothers, and others in co-parenting - Various Dates/Locations - Sept. 24 - Nov. 5, 2009 -- (07-06-09) -- When parents are consistent and support each other in the task of parenting, children benefit. This workshop presents the basics and benefits of co-parenting, and offers strategies and best practices to utilize in supporting any family working to raise children in a healthy, safe environment. Specific focus will be given to the unique challenges of divorcing and never-married parents, adolescent parents, or those with substance-abuse / dependence-related concerns.

1st International Symposium on Restorative Justice - June 15-19, 2009 -- (06-10-09) -- This course is intended to provide experience in the circle process as well as an understanding of the foundational values and key structural elements for designing and conducting peacemaking circles.

1st Annual Northwest District Human Service Conference - June 17 & 18 -- (06-10-09) -- MSSA (Minnesota Social Service Association) offers a unique educational opportunity all walks of human service professionals. Currently MSSA hosts the largest, most comprehensive human service conference in the Midwest. We are bringing a piece of that to Moorhead on June 17 and 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott.

A Special Focus on the Addicted Offender - June 4, 2009 -- (05-29-09) -- Tri-County Community Corrections' Adult Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) has put together a workshop entitled “A Special Focus on the Addicted Offender” to be held Thursday, June 4, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a 1-day workshop fee of $50.00. The workshop will be held at the Sargeant Student Center - Bede Ballroom located on the University of Minnesota Crookston Campus.

Drugs, Music & the Internet: Understanding the Challenging Issues that Youth Face - May 29 (Jamestown) and May 30 (Moorhead), 2009 -- (05-29-09) -- To provide community members, human service professionals, social workers, parents, educators, corrections, and law enforcement personnel with an increased understanding of the roles of drugs, music & the internet in youth today. This conference will leave participants with the skills needed to develop action plans to improve their services to youth and their families by applying the principles and exercises in this conference.

Hope for Recovery - May 16, 2009 -- (05-07-09) -- Spend a Saturday with a trained family member who will offer information, hope and practical strategies for dealing with the complexities of mental illness. Participants learn information about: mental illnesses, treatments and recovery, coping strategies, about the mental health system and local resources.

Webcast: The Fostering Connections Act: Building Supportive Pathways for Older Youth - May 15, 2009 -- (05-07-09) -- The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices is pleased to announce the third webcast related to the Fostering Connections Act. The Fostering Connections Act includes several provisions that provide opportunities for states to build supportive pathways for older youth in and transitioning out of care.

Mom's Night Out - Apr 25 & 26, 2009 -- (04-23-09) -- For mothers of children with disabilities: Enjoy a dinner, networking, time to relax.

Mental Health First Aid Training - May 4-9, 2009 -- (04-23-09) -- This week long training is brought to you by NAMI Minnesota, The Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs, and the National Council on Behavioral Health. Funded in part by the Department of Human Service.

Walk for Mental Health Awareness - May 2, 2009 -- (04-23-09) -- The Mental Health Awareness Walk will launch with a brief ceremony and open microphone. It will be followed by a gentle walk around the bike path. Green is the recognized color for mental health awareness. ** If the weather does not cooperate, the Walk will move inside to the Eagle's Nest Dining Area at UMC. **

Webinar: Planning and Preparedness for Children's Needs in Public Health Emergencies -- (04-23-09) -- Children are not just small adults; their different medical needs make it essential for health care facilities to prepare for child victims of public health emergencies. To showcase resources that can support emergency preparedness planning for children, AHRQ will host a free Webcast, Planning and Preparedness for Children’s Needs in Public Health Emergencies. This event will feature a panel discussion of preparedness initiatives and insights from pediatric emergency preparedness planners.

United for Children - Apr. 18, 2009 -- (04-17-09) -- 8th Annual Conference on Early Care and Education

Suicide Prevention for Rural Primary Care: a Toolkit for Providers - Webinar - Apr 22, 2009 -- (04-16-09) -- The presentation will include information on risk identification, prevention, and prescribing for depressed patients. It will also serve as a national launch for a new Prevention Toolkit developed for use in rural primary care settings. Provider feedback data from the pilot version of the Toolkit will be presented.

Transition Planning and Community Resources: What You Need to Know - Apr. 16, 2009 -- (04-09-09) -- This workshop is designed for parents of transition aged youth with disabilities. Students, teachers, and other professionals are also welcome to attend.

Creating High Quality Youth Development Programs - Apr. 8, 2009 -- (04-03-09) -- Building relationships with young people is key to their development and program quality. This class will highlight recent research in youth engagement and experiential learning, look at key barriers and challenges to youth-adult partnerships and apply the ideas to your work with youth. Come network with other youth workers and volunteers!

Medical and Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault - Apr. 2 & 3, 2009 -- (03-26-09) -- This free 1-1/2 day course is designed for law enforcement, nurses, doctors and advocates. The objective of this course is to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants who respond to sexual assault crimes with emphasis on non-stranger assaults.

Boys Council Facilitator Training - Mar. 27 & 28, 2009 -- (03-18-09) -- In an effort to improve services for boys, we would like to extend an invitation to the Juvenile Justice divisions in the state of Minnesota to attend the Boys Council Facilitator Training in St Paul on March 27-28.

Culturally Responsive Youth Work Matters: Exploring Cultures, Values & Identities - May 6, 2009 -- (03-09-09) -- Cultural differences are often at the root of miscommunication, misunderstanding and hurt feelings between youth and adults of different backgrounds. This six-hour class guides youth workers, educators and community leaders in exploring differing cultural values, beliefs and identies, and examining how these critical elements impact our work with youth.

Surviving Parenthood - Apr. 2, 2009 -- (03-09-09) -- Parenting is a difficult job! An adoptive mom of 12 children, most with special needs, shares how she and her husband have used a sense of humor to make it through the first twelve years of parenting.

Treatment of Depressive Disorders in Youth - Mar. 13, 2009 -- (03-09-09) -- Separations and Losses in Children Workshops

The Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education - April 17-18, 2009 -- (03-06-09) -- During this intense, two-day institute, district and school leaders will join leading educational researchers and practitioners to learn how to recognize, evaluate, and implement the best research-proven programs and practices for their schools. They will see how existing schools have successfully used these same interventions to achieve unprecedented student achievement...and how they can duplicate those same results in their own schools.

Inside the Mind of a Predator - Apr. 2, 2009 -- (03-04-09) -- This free workshop will discuss how sexual predators think and offer advice on how to keep your children safe.

Parenting Native American Teens Who Have Experienced Trauma and Violence in the Home - Feb. 25, 2009 -- (02-11-09) -- This workshop is for parents, community members and professionals to gain insights and ideas for walking with Native Teens who have experienced trauma or violence in the home on their path of resilience. You can have a positive influence in their lives in spite of what they have experienced and what problematic behaviors you see them doing. This workshop will provide some practical tools as well as increase the knowledge and understanding of our roles as adults in the teens' lives.

National Federation of Families Training - Feb. 9 and 10, 2008 -- (01-10-09) -- This free day and a half, interactive training that examines the context and emergence of "family-driven care" as recommended in 2003 Final Report the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

Minnesota Fatherhood Summit - Jan. 12-13, 2009 -- (01-06-09) -- A training conference for practitioners, policy makers, professionals, and parents interested in working with fathers, families, and children.

How Aspergers Changes from Early Childhood to Young Adult - Jan. 16, 2009 -- (01-05-09) -- Learn the signs and symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome and the impact of the disorder on a child and his family at different stages of development from early childhood through young adulthood.

National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health 20th Annual Conference - Nov. 20-23, 2008 -- (10-28-08) -- The National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health has the title of "Hope on the Horizon for Children, Youth and Families" as the centerpiece for their 20th annual conference.

Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Threat Incidents - Free 1/2 Day Workshop - Several Scheduled for Oct/Nov 2008 -- (09-25-08) -- Deciding what to do with bomb threats is a challenge to any school administrator and their school safety partners. In an attempt to provide the most current information and training regarding bomb threats, the Minnesota School Safety Center in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Education will conduct a series of regional workshops on practical strategies for handling bomb threat incidents.

13th Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health - Sept. 25-27, 2008 -- (09-17-08) -- This annual conference on school-based mental health continues to evolve via a community of practice framework that allows conference attendees to stay connected throughout the year.

Community Leadership Institutes - Sept. 21-24, 2008 -- (08-24-08) -- The Community Leadership Institute provides personalized, dynamic leadership training. Some of the key topics for the conference include leadership styles and choices; formal and informal leadership; "Thriving in chaos: building a toolkit," and creating a shared vision.

10th Annual National Leadership Conference - August 21-23, 2008 -- (08-14-08) -- The theme for the 2008 conference, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, is "A Notable History: Forging the Future". The site will be the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at: 1-866-972-6779 and mentioning the National Leadership Conference to receive the special discounted rate. Registration fees are as follows: Early Bird: $150, Regular: $199 and Youth: $50.

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's 2008 Mid-Year Training Institute - July 28-31, 2008 -- (07-10-08) -- The 2008 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Mid-Year Training Institute will provide in depth sessions on a variety of topic areas relevant to established as well as emerging coalitions.

Honoring Our Differences (Diversity)Through Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drug (ATOD) Abuse Prevention - July 15 & July 16, 2008 -- (07-10-08) -- Features Don Coyhis. The same presentation is offered on two different days in two different locations.

5th Annual Multidisciplinary Conference on Child Abuse - July 16-18, 2008 -- (07-10-08) -- The Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Center is sponsoring this conference featuring more than 25 speakers and workshops. Participants will benefit from both high quality training and tremendous networking opportunities.

National Institute of Justice’s 2008 Annual Conference - July 21-23, 2008 -- (06-18-08) -- The National Institute of Justice’s 2008 Annual Conference will showcase what works, what does not, and what research shows as promising. New developments in technology that increase public safety will be featured. The conference emphasizes benefits to researchers and practitioners who work together to develop effective evidence-based policies and practices. The event will also feature several panels related to youth issues, including sessions on youth gangs, best practices, and school-based prevention programs.

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conferences - Aug. 5, 2008 -- (06-18-08) -- The White House is housing a new series of regional conferences in a joint venture with States across the country. The event is designed to unite effective social service organizations with resources that can fortify and expand the services they offer to people they serve. Exceptional emphasis will be placed on opportunities for partnership at the State and local level. These opportunities range from funding provided through grants and contracts and non-financial partnerships like mutual-referral relationships with local government agencies to government services that can supplement the aid nonprofits provide to their clients. The conferences work to make both nonprofit organizations and government more effective at meeting human needs.

What Data Can Tell You About Drug Patterns in your Community, Fundraising Basics and Dynamic Presentation Techniques - June 25, 2008 -- (06-11-08) -- Presented by Red River Valley ATOD Prevention Conference

Say Yes to No - August 26th, 2008 -- (06-10-08) -- David Walsh, Ph. D. has emerged as one of the world’s leading authorities on parenting and the impact of media on children’s health and development.

Northwestern Mental Health Center Open House - May 15th, 2008 -- (05-07-08) -- Enjoy a tour of the building and a brief ceremony. Refreshments will be served!

2007-08 Lessons from the Field Series - Workshop #2 - Impact of Family Violence Videoconference - March 24, 2008 -- (03-20-08) -- Dr. Oliver Williams, professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota and Executive Director of the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community, will be presenting on the consequences of exposure to domestic violence on children and families as well as lessons learned from stories of success in promoting the healthy development and resilience of children exposed to domestic violence.

Minnesota School Safety Conference - Feb. 20-21, 2008 -- (02-15-08) -- The conference will cover Threat Assessment in Schools (day-long training) as well as Workshops on cyber bullying, marketing school safety, planning for effective drills, suicide clusters, data privacy, school safety "tools" developed by Minnesota school districts, school liaison officer session, Project SERV grants, student assistance teams, National Incident Management System, and many more!

2008 Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness (JMATE) - Addressing Diversity - March 25-27, 2008 -- (01-23-08) -- The theme of the 2008 Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness (JMATE) is "Addressing Diversity." This theme encompasses a wide range of topics from addressing the broad diversity of adolescents in treatment and recovery to meeting the needs of stakeholders from different disciplines.

16th Annual VistA Community Meeting, January 10-13, 2008 -- (01-03-08) -- Learn more about VistA Office Health Record (EHR). There will be a special track on Community Health Centers. This meeting will bring together users, developers and others interested in this system.

2nd Annual Conference - Safe and Healthy Youth -- (11-01-07) -- From My Space to Our Space: Creating Connected Communities will provide participants with effective program strategies, enhanced competencies and current research for quality youth engagement, incorporating the newly released 2007 Minnesota Student Survey statewide data. Jan. 14, 15, 16, 2008

Behavior & Inclusion on the Autism Spectrum - Nov. 6 and 7, 2007 -- (10-30-07) -- Attend one or both days of training. Increase understanding of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that impact behavior and can foster communication breakdowns and feelings of being overwhelmed. Participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other significant disabilities. These sessions are for parents and professionals.

More Than a Few Good Men - Nov. 12 -- (10-25-07) -- Join national violence prevention activist Jackson Katz for a compelling evening on ending violence. Alerus Financial and CVIC are co-sponsoring a week to promote healthy relationships in our community. This is a FREE event and open to the public.

Teens, Sex & Safety - Nov. 15 -- (10-25-07) -- Join leading dating relationship expert Mike Domitrz for an entertaining hour designed specially for parents. Alerus Financial and CVIC are co-sponsoring a week to promote healthy relationships in our community. This is a FREE event and open to the public.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training, Oct. 31, 2007 -- (10-24-07) -- Psychological First Aid is a set of skills that helps first responders and other community responder’s care for their clients, co-workers, families, friends and neighbors.PFA has become the standard in helping others cope in times of crisis. As the centerpiece of many communities, hospital staff, county services, law enforcement, and other emergency service providers are in a unique position to see and assist in monitoring the public during and after an event. PFA will add to the skills you already possess in effectively helping ourselves and others.

NRB Webinar Series: Creating State-Community Partnerships for Social -Emotional Well-being in Rural America - Nov. 1 -- (10-22-07) -- States and rural communities use a variety of strategies to support the social and emotional well-being of all children and to support comprehensive services and supports for those children with behavioral health challenges and their families. This Webinar will help participants become familiar with several key federal grant programs to improve children's mental and behavioral health.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network Answers One Millionth Call -- (11-17-08) -- The Lifeline reached this significant milestone because more people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis are becoming aware that help is available just by picking up the telephone and dialing 1-800-273-TALK.

Wear Blue Day - April 25, 2008 -- (03-31-08) -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month & we have selected Friday, April 25 as WEAR BLUE DAY throughout Polk County. Mark your calendars!!!

Bill would legally protect Minn. students from bullying -- (03-18-09) -- From the Star Tribune: Students throughout Minnesota would be legally protected from bullying under a bill that would expand the state's human rights protections to harassment in school.