2004 Child Care Survey: Family, friend and neighbor care supply and demand -- (11-05-07) -- Fundamental facts from the 2004 child care survey

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.

U study: Teens who think they'll die young live fast -- (06-29-09) -- A self-fulfilling prophecy? Teens who are less hopeful seem to engage in riskier behavior, a University of Minnesota study found. For example, they were seven times more likely to later be diagnosed with HIV or AIDS.

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.

What Makes a Difference for Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs? -- (02-03-09) -- This presentation is based on a sub sample of the 59 youth participants and includes low income European American (EA) and African American (AA) transition-age youth with mental health needs.

Starting Points for Communities Developing New Transition Programs for Young People with Mental Health Difficulties -- (02-03-09) -- This document offers tips to school and agency staff involved in developing transition programs for youth with mental health difficulties.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Survey for Parents - closes Feb. 15, 2009 -- (02-02-09) -- The purpose of this survey is to collect data regarding various issues for individuals with autism in Minnesota . This data will be used by the Minnesota Autism Task Force to make recommendations to the Minnesota State Senate and Governor.

Unclaimed Children Revisited: Findings on Family- and Youth-Responsive Services -- (01-15-09) -- The overall goal of Unclaimed Children Revisited is to address how well states are serving children and youth at risk for and with mental health conditions. To that end, the report addresses many issues concerning how current child mental health policies across the United States respond to the needs of children and youth with mental health problems, those at risk, and their families. This Data Trends summary specifically summarizes the results related to youth and family engagement.

Dare to Dream America Program - Deadline 6/30/09 -- (01-15-09) -- The Dare to Dream America Program provides an opportunity for youth (23 years of age and under) to get involved in mental health awareness activities. Successful applicants are awarded a grant up to $1000 to do projects that promote mental health awareness. Application deadline is June 30, 2009.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Benefits -- (12-03-08) -- A new brief from SAMHSA reports a strong positive impact of social and emotional learning (SEL) instruction on student academic achievement. The brief reports that in addition to significantly improving a broad range of student health and behavioral outcomes, SEL improves students' school performance as well.

Gap Analysis of the Resource Synthesis Related to Integrating Mental Health in Schools into the Recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health -- (11-19-08) -- This report presents analyses of the synthesis of online, noncommercial resources that have relevance for advancing efforts to integrate mental health in schools into the New Freedom Initiative

Out-of-Home Services for Emotional or Behavioral Problems among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 2002 to 2006 -- (11-14-08) -- Combined 2002 to 2006 data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that an estimated 2.6% of youths aged 12 to 17 reported receiving out-of-home services for emotional or behavioral problems in the past 12 months in a hospital, a residential treatment center or a foster care or therapeutic foster care setting.

Mental Health Service Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 2005 and 2006 -- (11-14-08) -- Combined 2005 and 2006 data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that an annual average of 3.3 million youths aged 12 to 17 (13.3%) received services for emotional or behavioral problems in a specialty mental health setting in the past year.

Out-of-Home Services for Emotional or Behavioral Problems among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 2002 to 2006 -- (09-25-08) -- During the past two decades, there have been marked changes in inpatient, residential, and foster care services for children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral problems.

Children's Perspectives of Their Mental Health Services -- (07-16-08) -- This literature review attempted to summarize research examining foster children's perspectives of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Given the dearth of information on this topic, the authors instead reviewed the literature on children's and youth's perspectives of mental health services.

Community integration of transition-age individuals: Views of young adults with mental health disorders -- (07-14-08) -- This study sought to examine what community integration means to young adults with mental health disorders. More specifically, it examined their definitions of community integration, the ways in which they strive to achieve community integration, and the barriers and supports they encounter.

Gene clues suggest autism strikes when brain can't learn properly from early life experiences -- (07-10-08) -- Harvard researchers have discovered half a dozen new genes involved in autism that suggest the disorder strikes in a brain that can't properly form new connections.

"Great Start" Project Bolsters Children's Mental Health -- (06-12-08) -- As Mental Health Month and Children's Mental Health Week (May 4 through 10) are observed this year, mental health care for young Minnesota children and their families is stronger because of the Great Start Minnesota Project.

"Great Start" Project Bolsters Children's Mental Health -- (05-21-08) -- As Mental Health Month and Children's Mental Health Week (May 4 through 10) are observed this year, mental health care for young Minnesota children and their families is stronger because of the Great Start Minnesota Project.

Homeless Youth Need Spectrum of Services, Report Says -- (05-14-08) -- Getting homeless kids off the streets requires a broad array of services including addiction and mental-health care, work opportunities, education, and medical care -- with the latter three the most important factors -- according to researchers.

Public Attitudes towards Children with Mental Health Conditions -- (05-08-08) -- These two studies examine the cultural context and public attitudes regarding children with mental health conditions and available treatments.

Disorders are more likely in adopted teenagers -- (05-06-08) -- Adolescents adopted as infants are twice as likely to have behavioral disorders as those who are not adopted, according to research published Monday that is the deepest analysis yet of the larger mental health burden carried by some adopted children.

The Wakanheza Project -- (04-26-08) -- The Wakanheza Project is a community-wide effort that provides tools and strategies to help us effectively respond in these every-day situations and prevent them from happening in the first place, by creating welcoming environments for our children, young people, and families.

Blamed and Ashamed -- (03-03-08) -- This unique monograph documents the treatment experiences of youth with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders from the perspective of youth and their families.

New Roles for Families in Systems of Care -- (03-03-08) -- Volume I of the 1998 series of monographs, Systems of Care: Promising Practices in Children's Mental Health, provides background on how families raising children with mental health needs have found and developed their voice to become strong partners and assertive leaders in developing a better system of care.

Mental Health in School & School Improvement: Current Status, Concerns, and New Directions -- (02-14-08) -- Advancing the field at this seminal time in its evolution requires widespread exploration of where we are going and how to get there. Because of the urgency for moving forward in creating a school environment that promotes mental health and reduces problems, the School Mental Health Project, UCLA - Center for Mental Health in Schools has just completed this volume which they've made accessible at no cost and with no restrictions on its use.

Family Participation in Action: Are Families Actually Involved? -- (01-23-08) -- Family participation in educational planning is believed to improve the academic success of children with disabilities. It is also a fundamental right of parents and an essential component of special education legislation. This article reports on family perceptions of their participation in educational planning for their children.

Are Brothers and Sisters a Good Source of Support? -- (01-23-08) -- This longitudinal study investigated the effects of positive sibling relationships on the mental health of children who experience stressful life events.

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.

Perceptions and Expectations of Youth with Disabilities -- (11-07-07) -- The National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2), funded by the National Center for Special Education Research at the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, was initiated in 2001 to provide a national picture of the characteristics and experiences of youth with disabilities, including their perceptions of themselves, their schooling, their personal relationships, and their hopes for the future. This report presents findings drawn from the first time data were collected directly from youth on these topics; they were ages 15 through 19 at the time (2003).

Youth Fact Sheets (developed by youth with special health care needs) -- (11-06-07) -- Youth Fact Sheets are a series of six fact sheets developed and edited by youth with special health care needs. Topics include planning for technical or 4-year college, how to get supports in the workplace, how to be involved in the Individual Education Planning process and others.

The Autism Spectrum: Curricular Adaptations & Adolescent Issues - October 16-17, 2007 -- (10-08-07) -- The Autism Spectrum is a two-day workshop that discusses Adolscent Issues with Chantal Sicile-Kira and Curricular Adaptations with Patrick Schwartz. You can attend one or both days. Different pricing is set for professionals and parents.

Depressed Adolescents Respond Best to Combination Treatment -- (10-04-07) -- A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication appears to be the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder--more than medication alone or psychotherapy alone.

Regional LAC meeting - Save the date - Oct. 18 -- (10-02-07) -- We are looking forward to coming together again to hold our Regional Local Advisory Council for Children's Mental Health meeting. We are pleased to see the expansions of Local Advisory Councils while others are in the process of developing their Local Advisory Council. This is also an exciting time for Children's Mental Health Services with the "Our Children Succeed Initiative".

Developing Goals and Related Services to Meet Mental Health Needs - Oct. 16 -- (10-02-07) -- The Local Advisory Council is proud to collaborate with PACER on a free training coming to Crookston. This free workshop is for parents whose child has a disability and co-occuring mental health need. Topics include understanding your child's educational rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), understanding and using the Functional Behavioral Assessment, developing strategies to help your child succeed in school, and learning how to become more involved in your child's educational experience.

Understanding ADHD: Examining Racial Differences -- (09-29-07) -- This study identifies several racial differences concerning knowledge about ADHD, its treatment, and services for children with the diagnosis. It finds that African-American parents have less information about ADHD and are less likely to be aware of school-based services for children with ADHD than Caucasian parents.

Double Jeopardy: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Young People - Oct. 18th -- (09-17-07) -- The heads of both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will deliver addresses at the upcoming CASACONFERENCE, Double Jeopardy: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Young People.

Hidden Heroes: How Deployment Impacts "Suddenly Military" Kids - 30 events through Sept. 27 -- (09-07-07) -- This free workshop is open to any member in the community—neighbors, business people, youth and family service providers, educators, counselors, clergy—-anyone who wants to become aware of how to support those families with “suddenly military” kids in your community before, during, and after deployment. Certificates for two contact hours will be available.

The Financial Effects of Parity Laws on Families of Children with Mental Health Care Needs -- (08-15-07) -- This article examines the financial impact of state parity laws on privately-insured families seeking mental health services for their children.

Literature Review: Developmental Problems of Maltreated Children and Early Intervention Options for Maltreated Children -- (08-07-07) -- The goal of this paper is to describe the most common problems that maltreated infants and toddlers experience and to highlight the benefits of early interventions for this population. In so doing, child welfare personnel and policymakers who are responsible for assessing, referring, and advocating for maltreated children can make more informed decisions.

Qualities to Look for in Mental Health Consultation for Early Childhood Settings -- (07-11-07) -- This study found that the quality of the relationship between a mental health consultant and Head Start staff is predictive of positive perceived impact on child outcomes.

Balancing Work and Family: Challenge of Parents with Children with Mental Health Disorders -- (06-14-07) -- This study sought to examine the relations among work-family fit, flexibility in work and family arrangements, family support, and quality of parenting and work roles for caregivers who have children with emotional or behavioral disorders.

Attachment, Brain Development and Behavior: Why and What to Do About It? June 18 -- (06-13-07) -- Join popular trainer and therapist, Deena McMahon, for a afternoon of information about how attachment, brain development and trauma affect the behavior of children and the functioning of families. CEUs available.

MPLN Carolyn Nava Leadership Training - April 20 & 21 or May 18 & 19 -- (05-07-07) -- MPLN is inviting members and parents (or primary caregivers) of children with mental health disorders who are actively working in leadership roles our communities to attend an upcoming tow day training. This training will provide participants with the tools and strategies necessary for effective leadership in our ever changing environments. The training will be held April 20-21 in Hutchinson, MN and repeated May 18-19 in Brainerd, MN.

Staying Together - Many training dates -April 25 - June 26 -- (05-07-07) -- The MN Dept. of Humans Services (DHS) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-MN) are co-sponsoring a voluntary placement training entitled "Staying Together." The training is free.

Introduction to Infant Mental Health - June 4 - Aug. 6 -- (04-25-07) -- This course is designed for professionals interested in an introduction to the field of infant mental health and intervention with infants, toddlers, and their parents. Readings, video, and observational tasks are included to familiarize students with the foundations of infant mental health and direct work with infants and parents. While not a clinical class, this course attempts to introduce the role and function of the infant mental health specialist and the use of relationship and reflection in work with families.

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.

The Effectiveness of Strength-Based Treatment for Youth with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders -- (03-31-07) -- This article assesses the effectiveness of strength-based approaches to treating youth with emotional or behavioral disorders, focusing on the importance of practitioner beliefs and attitudes regarding strength-based practice. The influence of fidelity on strength-based treatment is also explored.

ACTION ALERT FROM ANDREA AYRES, POLICY ADVOCATE, FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE -- (03-06-07) -- The anti-psychiatry group EdWatch has been attacking the bill that would fund the Columbia TeenScreen program. As many of you know, this is an excellent program that seeks to identify teenagers who are risk for suicide and potentially suffering from a mental illness to ensure that they receive a complete evaluation. It requires parental and student permission.

Recess Is At Risk, New Campaign Comes To The Rescue -- (03-30-06) -- Think recess is just child's play? Experts agree that playtime can be just as vital as classroom time to a child’s social, emotional and educational development. Earlier this month, in Washington, D.C., the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Cartoon Network announced the launch Rescuing Recess, a campaign that champions the importance of recess for kids and works to help keep and revitalize it in schools across the country.

Social and Emotional Distress among American Indian and Alaska native Students: Research Findings -- (03-23-05) -- Many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth are repeatedly exposed to opportunities to participate in self destructive and illegal behaviors. This Digest examines risk factors associated with the four contexts within which AI/AN students grow and develop: peer groups, families, schools, and communities.

Peer Stigmatization of Childhood Depression and ADHD -- (10-29-08) -- Topic: This article examined the level of stigmatizing attitudes in children and adolescents towards peers with two common mental health conditions: depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD: How to Build Your Team at School -- (04-07-08) -- You are the expert on your child. Sharing insights and techniques that seem to help your son or daughter pay attention can be valuable to your child's teacher. Children spend a large portion of their day in school. That's why it is so important to establish a good relationship with teachers and other members of the school staff.

Bipolar Youth at Higher Risk of Addiction -- (06-05-08) -- Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) say that adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006 -- (05-13-08) -- A 3 page short report based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides annual averages of the rate of past year major depressive episodes, depression related levels of impairment, average number of days of inability to carry out normal activities due to depression, and history of previous depressive episodes.

Whose Life Is It Anyway? -- (11-06-07) -- How One Teenager, Her Parents, and Her Teacher View the Transition Process for a Young Person with Disabilities

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.

Crookston Skatepark Grand Opening, Oct. 15 -- (10-10-07) -- Everyone is invited to see our new Crookston Skatepark located at Highland Complex, next to the clubhouse. Hot cider and treats to be served!

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.

NASW Paper on Institutional Racism, 2007 -- (12-09-08) -- The purpose of this document is to address one key and significant social issue, institutional (also known as structural) racism.

Offering Technical Assistance to American Indian and Alaskan Native families: Clues From a Focus Group -- (03-04-08) -- This 24-page report provides information about the culturally specific technical assistance needs of Native American Families.

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.

America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being 2008 -- (07-14-08) -- Each year since 1997, the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has published a report on the well-being of children and families.

KIDS COUNT Coffee - Oct. 30 -- (10-11-07) -- At this free community forum you will learn about the most recent data on the well-being of Minnesota children; receive specific data on children and families in your county; get updates about federal and state legislative efforts in health care, child care and early education; and discuss how to improve the lives of children in your area and beyond.

Half of Low-Income People Not Receiving Food Stamp Benefits -- (09-12-07) -- The National Priorities Projects' new analysis on 2004 county-level data and statistics focuses on the distribution of Food Stamp.

Event Dropout Rates for Public School Students in Grades 9-12: 2002–03 and 2003–04 -- (05-09-07) -- The report summarizes and compares event dropout rates for public high school students, by state, for 2002-03 and 2003-04.

Measuring the Years: State Aging Trends & Indicators -- (11-19-04) -- This publication is designed to identify current trends and future directions related to an aging America, and to assist state policymakers in creating programs and policies that respond to unique needs of the people in their state

Department of Education Releases High School MCA Test Results -- (07-19-04) -- Department of Education officials released test results today from the 10th grade reading and 11th grade math Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). The tests were given during a one-week period in April of 2004. Seventy-eight percent of all students who took the test in reading passed the test, while seventy percent passed the math test.

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.

2007 Minnesota Citizen Corps Conference "PARTNERS IN PREPAREDNESS" - Sept. 14 and 15 -- (09-04-07) -- The Conference is being hosted by the Minnesota Citizen Corps Council. The Conference is open to all who are interested in making their communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for all types of hazards.

September is National Preparedness Month -- (07-17-07) -- Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be informed and get involved.

Hurricane Coloring Book -- (11-14-07) -- Coloring book for children who have survived a hurricane.

When Can We Go Home? -- (11-14-07) -- Children have to leave their homes for many reasons. This book is designed to help children do two things: cope with the reality of being away from their homes and develop the "emotional intelligence" skills they need to be resilient throughout life.

Pup's World -- (11-13-07) -- This interactive and educational coloring book is designed to help children understand and be prepared for disasters.

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.

Time-sensitive: Minnesota residents possibly exposed to measles at international science fair -- (05-23-07) -- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) staff are contacting 98 individuals around the state who may have been exposed to measles while attending an international science and engineering fair last week (May 14-18) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A measles case occurred in a student from India attending the fair. The fair was attended by teachers, students, and parents from 51 countries and all but four U.S. states. Exposures may have occurred on May 12-16.

Flu Center Opens at Riverview -- (10-23-09) -- Crookston Times article on the Flu Center at RiverView 800-743-6551 x9757

Emergency News Release Polk County -- (10-23-09) -- Polk County Public Health has limited H1N1 vaccine for Pregnant Women and Children age 6 months through 4 years only.

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.

Minnesota Goes "Code Ready" -- (06-13-07) -- New campaign helps Minnesotans prepare for disasters.

Talking with children about tragedy in the news -- (10-29-08) -- The news of a school shooting or any tragedy at a school can be very scary for a lot of children. The challenge in helping them cope with such an event is that it is also scary for many adults.

Pay attention to warning signs of violence -- (10-27-08) -- No single behavior predicts a student will become violent. A child or teen may exhibit several traits often cited as cause for concern -- such as being "different" or a loner -- that may simply mean he or she is a creative, independent individual.

Reviewing and Updating School Emergency Management Plans Web Cast -- (09-13-07) -- In the wake of recent school shootings and President Bush's Conference on School Safety, the U.S. Department of Education presented a one-hour Web cast to provide parents, educators, school administrators and local safety personnel with an opportunity to review key considerations related to school emergency management planning.

Crisis Management Plan -- (06-19-07) -- The Crisis Management Plan is a guide for school district and building administrators, school employees, students, School Board Members and community members as to how to address a wide range of potential crisis situations in the school district.

Emergency Action Guide -- (06-19-07) -- Stephen/Argyle Central School District Waterfall Emergency Action Guide

Training Opportunity: Counseling Traumatized Students - Aug. 15-16 -- (06-12-07) -- The Safe and Drug Free Schools Program at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will sponsor a 2-day training on counseling traumatized students at the MDE Conference Center, August 15-16, 2007. Cost will be $200 per participant. The curriculum, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) will be presented by the CBITS authors from UCLA and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Responding to the Children's Needs of the Returning Military - September 27 -- (09-06-07) -- Thousands of National Guard and Reserve Units are returning home to Minnesota. The impact of these deployments are felt not only on the solders but on their families and children. This briefing will discuss therapeutic approaches and coping skills with regards to the impact deployments and reunions have on children.

Soft Targets Awareness Course - June 20 -- (05-15-07) -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, is committed to reaching out to the 25 million businesses and organizations that make up America's public and private sectors. To fulfill that commitment, he has asked the Department's Protective Security Coordination Division (PSCD) and the Private Sector Office to team up and offer a Soft Targets Awareness Course for both the public and private sectors.

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.

Dad's lesson: drink, drive -- (05-21-09) -- A driving lesson ended in a crash and the likelihood of alcohol-related charges against a father and his 17-year-old daughter, who police said were drinking vodka and whiskey before she got behind the wheel.

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.

The NSDUH Report: Marijuana Use and Perceived Risk of Use among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007 -- (01-08-09) -- SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies (OAS) has just released The NSDUH Report: Marijuana Use and Perceived Risk of Use among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007, a 3 page short report based on data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides trends in both adolescent’s marijuana use from 2002 to 2007 and of rates of their perceived great risk from smoking marijuana at least once a month. It found that adolescents who perceived great risk from smoking marijuana once a month were much less likely to have used marijuana in the past month than those who perceived moderate to no risk.

Underage Alcohol Use: Where Do Young People Get Alcohol? -- (12-08-08) -- This is a 3 page short report based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides data on how and where drinkers under the legal age, (i.e., drinkers aged 12 to 20) obtained alcohol and the impact on their level of drinking.

Trends in Substance Use, Dependence or Abuse, and Treatment Among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007 -- (12-08-08) -- This is a 3 page short report based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides data on the yearly prevalence of cigarettes, alcohol, illicit drugs, marijuana, nonmedical use of prescription-type drugs, and inhalant in the past month by youth as well as the percentage who met the criteria for alcohol or illicit drug dependence or abuse. This is important information for persons tracking trends in substance use, dependence, and treatment among youth.

National Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 23-31, 2008 -- (10-13-08) -- October 23–31, 2008, is National Red Ribbon Week, a time when millions of young people and adults show their support for healthy lifestyles by wearing or displaying a red ribbon. This nationwide celebration has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat underage drinking and illegal drug use among youth.

Latino Parents Urged to Counteract Effects of Targeted Alcohol Ads -- (08-21-08) -- With Latino/Latina youths viewing a disproportionately high number of alcohol ads compared with other young people, parents need to have open discussions with their children so they will delay drinking.

Coping with School Stress is Number One Reason Given by Teens for Teen Drug Use -- (08-18-08) -- Nearly three-fourths (73%) of teens in grades 7 to 12 believe that "kids use drugs to deal with the pressures and stress of school," according data from the 20th annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS).

Youths Living in Permissive Households Significantly More Likely to Drink Heavily -- (08-14-08) -- Youths living in permissive households are more likely to drink heavily than those from nonpermissive Households, according to a longitudinal survey of youth attending South Dakota schools.

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.

45% of Young Drinkers Ages 12 to 14 Get Alcohol Free from Adult Family Members or Take from Home -- (07-15-08) -- Young drinkers ages 12 to 14 are more likely to get alcohol in their own home than other underage drinkers, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Plummets, CDC Study Finds -- (07-14-08) -- Far fewer Americans are exposed to secondhand smoke than a decade ago, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study finds, and health advocates say that the findings show the need for more states to ban indoor smoking.

"21 for 21": Extreme Drinking by College Students to Celebrate Turning 21 -- (06-16-08) -- Four out of five college students (83%) drank to celebrate their 21st birthday, according to a longitudinal survey of students at a large midwestern university.

Call for Establishing 'World No Alcohol Day' -- (05-29-08) -- World No Tobacco Day has become an established rallying point for global tobacco prevention efforts, and now advocates would like to see a similar annual event aimed at alcohol use.

Youth Teaching Youth: Positive peer pressure -- (05-14-08) -- The program offers four to eight monthly sessions of classroom and facilitated, small-group seminars to students in 24 schools in the Fridley, Anoka-Hennepin, Columbia Heights, Spring Lake Park, St. Francis and Minnetonka districts.

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.

Parents Less Likely to Be Aware of Cigarette and Alcohol Use by Children Age 12 to 14 -- (05-07-08) -- Parents are less likely to be aware of a younger child’s cigarette and alcohol use than that of an older child.

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.

'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.

Smoking by Age 12 Related to Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Dependence -- (12-03-07) -- Youths who begin smoking at age 12 or younger are more likely to meet the criteria for past year alcohol and drug abuse or dependence, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

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.

Drug Testing Has Little Effect on Student Athletes' Drug Use, Study Says -- (10-19-07) -- Drug testing has only a minimal deterrent effect on high-school athletes' use of steroids.

More Schools Using Breath Tests to Screen Students -- (10-17-07) -- A growing number of high schools nationally are using breath tests to detect alcohol use among students attending football games, dances, and other extracurricular activities.

Youth Encouraged to Host Community Briefings on Alcohol -- (10-10-07) -- Youth groups from across the country are urged to host Community Briefings as part of a national effort to inform communities about alcohol issues that are affecting youth.

Minnesota State Epidemiological Profile -- (10-09-07) -- The Minnesota State Epidemiological Profile has been created to summarize and characterize consumption patterns and consequences related to the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) in Minnesota.

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.

Hispanic Teens & Drugs: A Special Report -- (09-26-07) -- The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and local urban youth experts today announced new report regarding drug use among Hispanic youth. According to a special report issued today by the ONDCP, Hispanic teen use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine currently outpaces White and African-American teen use.

Red River Valley Substance Abuse Prevention Conference - Oct. 18 -- (09-24-07) -- The Red River Valley Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinators would like to invite you to the Red River Valley Substance Abuse Prevention Conference in Moorhead, Minnesota. The conference is for community coalition members, human service professionals, social workers, parents, educators, corrections and law enforcement personnel with an interest in substance abuse prevention. This will focus on presenting the hot topics that local Prevention-Focused Coalition Efforts are faced with frequently.

Report: Schools Can't, Shouldn't Shoulder Prevention Burden -- (09-17-07) -- Most American kids receive some drug education in the classroom, but a new report contends that schools should not be relied upon to prevent early use of alcohol and other drugs and its consequences.

N.C. Launches Media Literacy Classes on Alcohol -- (09-17-07) -- Middle-school students in North Carolina will receive media-literacy education on alcohol ads and other media that promote underage drinking under a new state initiative.

Cocaine/Crack Abuse Stable at High Levels or Increasing; Methamphetamine Abuse Continues to Be Low in East -- (08-29-07) -- For the past 30 years, NIDA's Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) has served as a national drug abuse surveillance system. Comprised of a network of epidemiologists and researchers from 22 geographically dispersed areas of the nation, the CEWG meets twice a year to share qualitative and quantitative information on current and emerging drug abuse patterns and trends. Following are highlights from the recently released report on the proceedings of the 61st meeting, held this past January.

Adolescence and Substance Use PowerPoint -- (08-28-07) -- PowerPoint presentation by Rick Sampson, American Institutes for Research

Drug Experimentation Not Normal, RAND Studies Suggest -- (08-22-07) -- "Marijuana abstainers do well, solitary users do poorly, and kids who use marijuana only in social settings are in between," according to a RAND press release on the research, which was based on a review of more than 20 years of data from the RAND Adolescent/Young Adult Panel Study.

Treatment Episode Data Se (TEDS) 1995-2005: National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services -- (08-10-07) -- This 187 page report, based on SAMHSA's Drug and Alcohol Services Information System (DASIS), provides information on the demographic and substance abuse characteristics of the 1.8 million annual admissions to treatment for abuse of alcohol and drugs in facilities that are licensed or certified by the State substance abuse agency and that report TEDS data. Trends in treatment admissions are also provided.

Prescription Tracking Programs Raise Privacy Concerns -- (08-08-07) -- Law-enforcement agencies say that tracking prescriptions of drugs containing pseudoephedrine helps prevent drug purchases intended for illicit methamphetamine production, but some say the computerized tracking systems violate the privacy rights of buyers.

Gender Differences in Alcohol Use and Alcohol Dependence or Abuse, 2004-2005 -- (08-04-07) -- This is a 3 page short report, based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides data on any alcohol use, binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence by gender among persons age 12 or older.

Reach Out Now: Talk with Your Fifth graders About Underage Alcohol Use Grade 5 Teacher Pages -- (08-02-07) -- The Reach Out Now program’s goal is to prevent underage drinking and fifth grade is not too early to start. This pamphlet contains classroom lesson plans, facts about underage drinking, and family role-playing activities.

Reach Out Now: Start Talking Before They Start Drinking. Communication Tools for the 6th Grade Teacher Pages -- (08-02-07) -- Reach Out Now has created a skill-building, critical-thinking program to prevent underage drinking. This pamphlet contains classroom lesson plans, facts about underage drinking, and student and family role-playing activities.

Majority of Youths and Adults Unaware of Chemicals in Cigarettes -- (08-01-07) -- The majority of Americans are not aware of the chemicals found in cigarettes and cigarette smoke, according to a national telephone survey.

FAS Not the Only Risk of Drinking While Pregnant -- (07-26-07) -- Not every child exposed to alcohol develops fetal alcohol syndrome, but researchers say prenatal drinking can lead to a variety of other behavioral problems among children.

Hospitals Provide Golden Opportunity for Stop-Smoking Interventions -- (07-18-07) -- A review of 33 studies on smoking-cessation interventions found that smokers who are admitted as hospital inpatients tend to be receptive to stop-smoking counseling even if their illness was not smoking-related.

Domestic Meth Production Falls After Crackdown -- (07-10-07) -- Seizures of homegrown meth labs fell 58 percent last year, and anti-drug officials credit recent crackdowns on cold medicines and other chemicals used to make the drug.

Does 'Flavored Meth' Even Make Sense? -- (07-10-07) -- At first blush, the idea of adding flavoring to methamphetamine to make the drug more appealing to young users seems to be plausible.

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction -- (07-09-07) -- How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction

NIAAA Identifies Five Subtypes of Alcohol Dependence -- (07-02-07) -- For the first time, federal researchers have broken down the disease of alcoholism into five distinct subtypes, which experts say should help provide more targeted treatment for problem drinkers.

Study Sees Link Between Alcohol Ads, Youth Alcohol Attitudes -- (07-02-07) -- Children living in areas with large numbers of alcohol ads on billboards, storefronts, bus stops and elsewhere are more likely to look favorably upon drinking.

Alcohol Companies' Product Advertising on TV Dwarfs 'Responsibility' Ads -- (07-02-07) -- Youth 239 times more likely to see ads promoting alcohol products than industry spots discouraging underage drinking; B-Roll With Ads Available

Supreme Court Sides with School in 'Bong Hits' Case -- (06-26-07) -- Schools have the right to limit student speech that could be interpreted as advocating use of illicit drugs.

While Drug Treatment-Seeking Has Increased Among U.S. Residents, More Than Two-Thirds Still Do Not Seek Help -- (06-14-07) -- The percentage of U.S. residents seeking help for their drug use disorders increased from 1992 to 2002.

Overdoses Drive Up Accidental Death Rate in U.S. -- (06-13-07) -- Over several decades, reductions in drunk driving and greater use of seat belts in cars helped lower the accidental death rate in the U.S. But now the rate is rising again, and part of the blame is being focused on accidental overdoses on legal and illicit drugs.

Majority of Websites Selling Controlled Prescription Drugs Still Do Not Require a Prescription -- (06-08-07) -- Controlled prescription drugs continue to be widely available on the internet without a prescription, according to a study of the dispensing requirements of internet sites selling opioid, depressant, and stimulant prescription drugs.

Powdered Alcohol Marketed to Youth -- (06-07-07) -- A group of Dutch students has invented a form of powdered alcohol that they say will appeal primarily to youth.

SAMHSA: Girls Enter Treatment Younger, Use Different Drugs -- (06-06-07) -- Teenage girls tend to enter addiction treatment at a younger age than boys and are more likely to be primary users of alcohol or inhalants, whereas boys are most likely to report that marijuana is their favorite drug.

Many Kids Get First Drink from Parents, Study Says -- (05-31-07) -- Many kids get their first taste of alcohol from their parents, but it's not usually the result of raiding the family liquor cabinet.

Pediatricians Call for Stronger Steps on Movie Smoking -- (05-30-07) -- Saying that recent movie industry steps to limit youth exposure to smoking scenes don't go far enough, the American Academy of Pediatrics is calls for a ban on all non-historical portrayals of smoking in movies accessible to children and youth.

Teens Overestimate Smoking Rate -- (05-23-07) -- The vast majority of teens wrongly believe that most American adults smoke, an attitude that may adversely influence their own decisions about smoking.

Flavored Meth Worries -- (05-22-07) -- National news reports have highlighted concerns about drug dealers adding kid-friendly flavorings to methamphetamine, but actual incident reports about such concoctions have been sketchy, at best.

Supermarket Chain to Limit Access to Cough Medicine -- (05-18-07) -- Giant Food, a supermarket chain in Maryland and nearby states, announced a ban on selling cough products containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to people under 18.

More Community Underage Drinking Prevention Efforts Target Parents -- (05-18-07) -- As graduation and prom season approaches, more communities are expanding their underage drinking prevention strategies to include parental behavior.

Hawaii Teachers' Contract Requires Drug Testing -- (05-08-07) -- A 4-percent salary increase for Hawaii school teachers comes with a catch: to win the pay hike, the Hawaii State Teachers Association agreed to allow random drug testing of its members.

Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17 -- (05-03-07) -- This is a 3 page short report, based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), presents not only the prevalence among youth of major depressive episode and the initiation of alcohol or illicit drug use, but also data indicating that youth with depression are more likely to start using alcohol and/or illicit drugs.

Texas Set to Test Students for Steroids -- (05-02-07) -- The Texas House and Senate have both approved bills that would make the state the first to require random testing of high-school student athletes for steroids.

Marijuana Using Parents Have Trouble Delivering Straight Dope to Kids -- (04-26-07) -- Parents who use marijuana have a difficult time talking to their kids about drugs, even if they believe use of the drug should be legal.

Wisconsin is No. 1 for driving drunk; Minnesota ranks third -- (04-23-07) -- Wisconsin drivers apparently aren't heeding the message of one of America's biggest brewers, located in their own backyard. Nor are residents in some neighboring states.

Checkpoints and Interlocks to Fight Drunk Driving -- (01-04-07) -- Increased use of police checkpoints, devices to prevent convicted drunk drivers from operating their cars, and other new approaches are seen by advocates as necessary to continue cutting the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S.

Bush Signs STOP Act into Law -- (01-02-07) -- The STOP Underage Drinking Act, called the most significant piece of underage-drinking prevention legislation passed by Congress in years, has been signed into law by President Bush.

Teens Who Frequently Have Family Dinners Less Likely to Drink, Smoke, or Use Drugs -- (10-05-06) -- The more often teens have dinners with their families, the less likely they are to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, according to a recent national telephone survey of teens.

Parents Underestimate Teens’ Concerns About Drugs -- (09-05-06) -- While drugs are the number one concern for teenagers, parents underestimate how important this issue is to teens, according to data from a national telephone survey conducted earlier this year.

Pawlenty Creates Online Meth Offender Registry and Announces Other Measures to Battle Meth -- (08-31-06) -- Continuing his effort to combat the methamphetamine epidemic, Governor Tim Pawlenty today (July 27, 2006) announced the next phase in his crackdown on meth-related crimes, including the creation of an online Meth Offender Registry.

OR: Child Abuse Rises in Wake of Addiction Program Cuts -- (06-08-06) -- Child-abuse cases in Oregon rose 19 percent after the state legislature made sharp cuts in funding for addiction-treatment programs.

Maze Teaches Teens About Consequences of Life Decisions -- (04-14-06) -- At the Fifth Annual Teen Maze event at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on March 2 and 3, over 600 teenage students navigated a giant maze that presented them with real-life situations and the consequences of how they handled them.

Teens Report Parental Inattention to Their Important “Rites of Passage” Has High Price Tag -- (04-03-06) -- Almost half of America’s high school teens report parental inattention to what they consider to be key transitions during their adolescence, according to a new SADD/Liberty Mutual study released recently.

Study: Parents Smoke, Kids Don't -- (01-13-06) -- Parents who can't quit smoking can still take decisive action to prevent their kids from smoking, according to new research.

Senate OKs tighter controls on sales of cold pills -- (03-03-05) -- Lawmakers want to clamp down on cold medicines including Sudafed and Actifed because meth cooks stockpile the products and distill their active ingredients, psuedoephedrine or ephedrine, to make the drug. The Senate bill would reclassify pseudoephedrine and ephedrine as controlled substances — changing the landscape of how some now widely available products are sold.

Kids not ready for kindergarten cost Minnesota schools $113 million a year -- (01-06-09) -- From lost revenue after students drop out to increased safety and special education costs, the system takes a hit when students aren't ready for school, according to Robert Chase of Wilder Research, which released the study.

Early Childhood Resources by County -- (10-14-08) -- Directories of county resources available in Minnesota

More day-care programs going beyond holding pattern for kids -- (11-28-07) -- Public and private groups are working to turn child care into early education.

Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative -- (11-05-07) -- Building nurturing communities of thriving children

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.

Webinar: Planning for Educational Inclusion - Apr 21, 2009 -- (04-16-09) -- Parents will learn tips for including students with significant disabilities in grades K-12. Professionals are also welcome to register. Certificates of participation will be provided.

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.

Minnesota students now world-class in math and science -- (12-09-08) -- Minnesota's students have made considerable international progress in math during the past 12 years, and retained their spot near the top of the world in science, according to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Special Education in America Report -- (12-02-08) -- The EPE Research Center report examines a number of key issues facing students with disabilities ranging from the demographics of the population, educational settings, overrepresentation of certain student groups, achievement, high school completion, and transitions to adulthood.

Parent and Family Involvement in Education, 2006-07 School Year -- (08-05-08) -- This descriptive report presents initial findings on parents' and families' involvement in their children's education from the Parent and Family Involvement in Education Survey (PFI) of the 2007 National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES).

Schools Grapple With Rising Fuel Costs -- (07-09-08) -- With gas prices soaring nationwide, reaching over $4 for each gallon of diesel fuel, school districts are struggling to supplement transportation budget shortfalls and find ways to offset the increasing cost of fuel as a new school year approaches.

Educators Get a 'Second Life' -- (06-18-08) -- For educators who think real life does not offer enough opportunities to practice their profession, there's Second Life, an Internet-based virtual environment that counts thousands of educators among its enthusiasts.

Study Finds Majority of Minnesota Five-Year-Olds Prepared for Kindergarten in Key Developmental Areas -- (04-15-08) -- The majority of Minnesota children are prepared for kindergarten, according to a study released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Flagging Economy Propels Financial Education -- (02-20-08) -- Concerns about the foundering economy are helping to highlight the need to improve students' understanding of money matters.

PACER Parent Leader Update: Vacancies on MN Special Education Advisory Panel -- (02-05-08) -- The Minnesota Department of Education has opened the 2008 application process for the State Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), formerly known as the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC).

Free GED Online Preparation Now Provided by Minnesota Department of Education -- (01-14-08) -- The new GED-i online instruction system provides access for Minnesotans looking to obtain their General Educational Development Diploma (GED)

College Navigator -- (09-27-07) -- College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about nearly 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States. It offers a wide range of information previously found on COOL -- such as programs offered, retention and graduation rates, prices, aid available, degrees awarded, campus safety, and accreditation. However, College Navigator offers users valuable new information about colleges and universities, and it does so in a way that is vastly more user-friendly.

School-Based Voting Poses a Tricky Choice: Class Day, or Day Off -- (10-29-08) -- Officials Weigh Civic Duty, Convenience, Student Safety

Standards-Based Accountability Under No Child Left Behind -- (09-11-08) -- Experiences of Teachers and Administrators in Three States

Bush Budget Proposes Level Funding of Education Dept. -- (02-06-08) -- The U.S. Department of Education's overall budget would remain stagnant at $59.2 billion under a fiscal year 2009 proposal released by President Bush that includes a modest boost for Title I grants to school districts, the main funding vehicle for implementing the No Child Left Behind Act.

FY 2009 Budget Amounts for Minnesota/All States -- (02-06-08) -- Funds included in the tables are from programs that allocate funds to States using a statutory formula. The totals do not reflect all Department of Education funds that flow to a State. States and other entities may also receive funds from grants that are awarded on a competitive basis. These tables also include for each State financial support from selected student aid programs that provide funds to the postsecondary institution that a student attends. Also shown for each State is the dollar amount of new federally supported loans made to students attending postsecondary institutions located in the State.

Governor Pawlenty Names Alice Seagren Commissioner of Education -- July 20, 2004 -- (07-29-04) -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today named State Representative Alice Seagren as the new commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education. Seagren, currently the Chair of the Minnesota House of Representatives Committee on Education Finance, has served as a legislator since 1992. The Governor said Representative Seagren has the experience and vision to continue to focus the Department of Education on its core mission of increasing student achievement, while still working towards innovation and reform.

Education Finance Reform Task Force Recommends New Model for Funding Schools -- (07-19-04) -- Governor Tim Pawlenty and members of the Education Finance Reform Task Force today announced recommendations for a new educational economic model for funding schools in Minnesota. The Task Force, chaired by Alexandria Superintendent Ric Dressen, has recommended a five-tiered system of funding for Minnesota schools that is based on data, analyzing the actual costs of educating a student.

Good news about Minnesota schools -- (10-02-03) -- Minnesota gets a good return on its education dollar. Here are some facts about the quality of education and educators in our state, as of July 2003.

National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices Expanded -- (08-31-07) -- The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) is a searchable online registry of mental health and substance abuse interventions that have been reviewed and rated by independent reviewers. The purpose of this registry is to assist the public in identifying approaches to preventing and treating mental and/or substance use disorders that have been scientifically tested and that can be readily disseminated to the field.

Wraparound Process User's Guide -- (06-14-07) -- This guide from the National Wraparound Initiative (NWI) provides a comprehensive description of what a family can expect from the wraparound process. The guide can also serve as an introduction to wraparound for service providers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

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.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program application - Due July 1, 2009 -- (06-10-09) -- This is a reminder that the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program application is due on July 1, 2009. The ETV program provides funding to current and former foster care youth to attend accredited post-secondary educational programs.

Audit Report of Minnesota TCM -- (10-30-07) -- Letter from Chrstine Bronson, Minnesota Medicaid Director and Audit Report of Minnesota Medicaid Reimbursement.

Public safety films made for teens, by teens -- (05-13-09) -- A state competition has attracted high school filmmakers to produce commercials promoting seat belt use. The public will select the winner.

Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 -- (10-14-08) -- The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (The Wellstone-Domenici Parity Act), enacted into law on October 3, 2008, will end health insurance benefits inequity between mental health/substance use disorders and medical/surgical benefits for group health plans with more than 50 employees.

Cavity Free Kids "Train the Trainer" Event - Two locations - Oct. 13 or Oct. 14, 2008 -- (09-18-08) -- A FREE comprehensive curriculum to teach oral health lessons to children and families.

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.

Social Networking Safety - A Guide for Parents -- (06-11-08) -- This practical guide was created to help parents navigate cyberspace with their teens.

Summary of Safe Drinking Water Monitoring Results for Minnesota -- (05-29-08) -- The following is a summary of drinking water monitoring test results for all public water supply systems in Minnesota for calendar year 2007. Public water supply systems include all systems that serve 25 or more people on a regular basis, or that have 15 or more service connections.

Work-Related Roadway Safety: 10 Facts Employers Must Know -- (05-28-08) -- For any organization with employees on the roadway

Lice outbreak hits 16 Dakota County schools -- (03-13-08) -- At Pinewood Community School, students won't be working in groups this week. Nor will they sit on carpeted floors. After the Minnesota Department of Health paid a visit last week, school officials wrapped furniture and students' coats in plastic.

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.

Use of Preventive Services Among Hispanic Sub-Groups: Does One Size Fit All? -- (01-30-08) -- The report explores the use of preventive health services among Mexicans, Puerto-Ricans, Cubans, and "other" Latinos and examined how the use of preventive services was influenced by nation of origin and by rural versus urban residence.

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

National Night Out - Crookston - Aug. 7th -- (08-01-07) -- America's Night Out Against Crime - Giving neighborhood crime and drugs a gowing away party! This is a FREE event for ALL ages.

National Institutes of Health Launches New Web Site for Parents on Medical Research Studies for Children -- (10-20-08) -- A new Web site from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Children and Clinical Studies", offers parents and health care providers an insider's guide to children's medical research.

Breakfast benefits may differ for boys, girls -- (08-05-08) -- A new study suggests adolescents and young adults may be less attentive in school when they skip breakfast. Moreover, the effect of missing this meal is different in boys and girls, the researchers found.

Drug Tests on Newborns Frequently Wrong, Researchers Say -- (06-30-08) -- Up to 70 percent of drug tests on newborns falsely come up positive for the presence of methamphetamine, and other routine drug tests are often wrong, as well.

Parent Community Network - April 2008 Newsletter -- (04-14-08) -- The Parent Community Network is an informal system created to provide information, education and support for parents.

Report ranks states on children's health, well-being -- (04-04-08) -- A new report says the state where a child is born and raised is a major factor in whether the youngster is healthy and lives to adulthood. Children living in Louisiana, the lowest-ranking state in the study, were twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared with children in Vermont, the highest-ranking state.

How to get flu vaccine to children en masse -- (03-18-08) -- With a federal panel now urging annual flu shots for all school-aged children, Minnesota health officials are looking for new and creative ways to offer the vaccine en masse.

Trends in Uninsurance among Rural Minority Children -- (01-29-08) -- The societal and personal benefits of health insurance coverage for children are well documented. Contemporary efforts to reduce the number of children lacking health insurance, such as SCHIP, have demonstrated much success. Nonetheless, disparities in health insurance coverage for both minority and rural children persist, with children who are simultaneously minority race/ethnicity and living in rural areas being particularly disadvantaged.

Who Completes Child Maltreatment Prevention Programs? -- (01-23-08) -- Topic: While evaluation programs are important, it is also crucial to understand what influences program completion by participants. This article examines factors related to program completion among families enrolled in a child neglect preventive intervention.

Minnesota receives $1.4 million in federal funding to reduce children's exposure to lead hazards -- (09-29-07) -- A $1.4 million federal grant will allow the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), together with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and other partners, to speed up the removal of lead paint hazards from Minnesota homes and reduce the number of children endangered by lead paint.

Family-Focused Workshop and Professional Conference: Children who have special needs - A focus on Cerebral Palsy and Related Concerns (Family Focus Nov. 1 and Professional Focus Nov. 2) -- (09-24-07) -- Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs (MCSHN) is co-sponsoring two workshops with Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare to better educate parents and professionals in providing care for children who have special needs. The family-focused workshop will take place on Nov. 1, 2007 and the professional workshop will take place on Nov. 2, 2007. Both workshops will be held in Mankato, MN.

H.R. 3162 Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House) -- (09-21-07) -- Of significant importance is the proposed rule by which HHS would stop reimbursement to school districts for an estimated $3.6 billion in Medicaid spending over the next five years.

Building Family Strengths--A Tool Kit for Families -- (08-22-07) -- Building Family Strengths gives you the basics every family needs to weather the hard times and make the good times even better. This colorful, 52-page booklet is packed with information and fun activities that your family can use every day.

Peanut allergies a thing of the past? -- (08-13-07) -- Mohamed Ahmedna, an associate professor of food sciences at N.C. A&T, has found that using a certain food enzyme can deactivate peanut allergens, the chemicals that cause potentially fatal reactions in people who are allergic to peanuts.

Senate Passes Children's Health Bill, with Tobacco Tax -- (08-06-07) -- With a bipartisan 68-31 vote, the Senate approved a plan to raise federal tobacco taxes to help pay for a $35-billion expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Unique coalition launches campaign to encourage safe infant sleep -- (07-30-07) -- Goal is to reduce infant deaths that occur when someone falls asleep with a baby

MySpace finds 29,000 sex offenders on its site -- (07-25-07) -- MySpace.com has found more than 29,000 registered sex offenders with profiles on the popular social networking website -- more than four times the number cited by the company two months ago, North Carolina officials said Tuesday.

Health of America's Kids Continues to Improve -- (07-20-05) -- The federal government's annual report card on the well-being of America's children presents a generally healthy picture, with some notable exceptions.

Anabolic Steroids and Young Adults -- (11-04-04) -- Anabolic steroids are drugs that are forms of the hormone testos­terone. They are known for their effects on muscle. However, they also have effects like growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and changes in behavior.

Conference: Doing Juvenile Justice in western Minnesota Nov 19, 2009 Mahnomen, MN -- (10-30-09) -- Conferences sponsored by the Juvenile Justice of Minnesota are being held in several locations around the state including the one in Mahnomen on Nov 19, 2009.

Conference: Doing Juvenile Justice in Northwestern Minnesota Nov 19, 2009 Mahnomen, MN -- (10-16-09) -- The public is invited to this Juvenile Justice Coalition of Minnesota sponsored conference. There is a $20 fee. Register by Nov 12, 2009.

Experiment yields drop in juvenile detention -- (07-07-09) -- An experiment designed to divert teens -- especially teens of color -- from the juvenile justice system has produced a dramatic decline in detention, with Ramsey County reporting a 57 percent drop and Hennepin and Dakota counties reporting 33 percent.

America's Invisible Children: Latino Youth and the Failure of Justice -- (06-02-09) -- New report examines the experiences of Latino youth in the juvenile justice system.

The Costs of Confinement: Why Good Juvenile Justice Policies Make Good Fiscal Sense -- (05-21-09) -- This report finds that states spend about $5.7 billion each year imprisoning youth, even though the majority are held for nonviolent offenses.

Pruning Prisons: How Cutting Corrections Can Save Money and Protect Public Safety -- (05-21-09) -- This report informs policymakers that there are better options for improving public safety - options that build stronger, healthier communities instead of more prison cells.

Juvenile Justice publication -- (10-20-08) -- This volume examines juvenile justice policies and practices with the goal of promoting reforms that are based on solid evidence and acknowledge that adolescents differ from adults in ways that policy ought to take into account.

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.

Moving Toward Equal Ground: Engaging the capacity of youth, families and communities to improve treatment services and outcomes in the juvenile justice system -- (09-26-07) -- Community fellows from around the nation join together to share the lessons they have learned about the crucial role families and community members can play in improving the way we help teens in the juvenile justice system who struggle with drug and alcohol use. This national report has a message for every parent, family member, community member, judge, and justice system or treatment professional working with these youth, plus success stories from around the country.

Juvenile Program Referral Form -- (12-06-06) -- This referral form is also used from the courts, probation and social services. If there are spots that aren’t filled in or questionable from the schools point of view, we will still take them and call you with any questions.

2008 ITCA Parent Leadership Award -- (06-30-08) -- The IDEA Infant and Toddler Association (ITCA) promotes mutual assistance, cooperation, and exchange of information and ideas in the administration of Part C and provides support to state and territory Part C coordinators in the administration of effective early intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.

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.

Memo: FMAP and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) -- (05-18-09) -- Many of the staff here at DHS have received questions from counties concerning the increases in the federal Medical Assistance percentage (FMAP) resulting from the ARRA. Hopefully, this memo will address most of your questions. It includes new information, so if you spoke to someone prior to May 13, 2009 this memo supersedes the earlier information.

President Recommends ZEROING OUT the State Grants Portion of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program -- (05-13-09) -- In his fiscal year 2010 budget request, President Obama recommends eliminating the entire State Grants portion of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) program. His budget also proposes adding $100 million to the National Programs portion of SDFSC for competitive grants to LEAs. This new program would result in a limited number of LEAs being funded.

Your voice and support is needed for making early education and child care a priority this session -- (05-11-09) -- Child care advocates have four House/Senate conference committees to track over the weekend as the legislative session nears adjournment on May 18. Child Care Works is maintaining a steady presence at the Capitol as these committees negotiate, but your voice and support is even more important at this moment.

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.

CDF-MN: New Report Shows Where MN Stands On Minimum Wage -- (10-29-08) -- A new report published by Children's Defense Fund Minnesota and JOBS NOW Coalition details how important the minimum wage is to the well-being of millions of American children and their families.

President Signs Foster Care Bill into Law -- (10-13-08) -- On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the "Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act" (P.L. 110-351). This new law, formerly H.R. 6893, allows tribes to be eligible to apply directly to the federal government to operate the federal government's largest source of child welfare funding--Title IV-E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance for the first time.

PACER Parent Survey/Due August 15th -- (08-14-08) -- We need your help by August 15th! Since there has been considerable attention being focused on special education since the 2007 legislative session, we are requesting your help to gather information from parents about specific laws and rules for children with disabilities.

Education Begins at Home Act (EBAH)H.R. 2343 -- (07-28-08) -- The Education Begins at Home Act (EBAH) is intended to give many more children a quality early childhood experience with the help of home visitation services. The funds will help states expand quality home visitation programs in communities, and will target some specific groups of children and families for assistance.

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.

It's Your Court: The law says kids must go to school -- (09-27-07) -- The signs are everywhere, and they are clear. The new school year is upon us. Once again families are shifting back into their school routines and schedules. For many the transition goes smoothly. For others the adjustment is trickier, especially for children who prefer carefree summer days and no homework. Whether our children like it or not, however, they have to go to school.

House Committee Approves Addiction/Mental Health Parity Bill -- (07-24-07) -- In a historic move, the House Education and Labor Committee voted 33-9 to approve a strong mental-health and addiction parity bill, setting the stage for a possible House floor vote on the measure this fall.

Governor unveil's initiative to attract and retain the best teachers -- (11-03-03) -- At a Saint Paul charter school widely recognized for its outstanding student performance and unique approach to teacher compensation, Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced a bold teacher quality initiative, aimed at attracting and retaining the best teachers possible.

The NSDUH Report: Serious Psychological Distress and Receipt of Mental Health Services -- (01-08-09) -- SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies (OAS) has just released The NSDUH Report: Serious Psychological Distress & Receipt of Mental Health Services, a 3 page short report based on data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides the demographics of adults with serious psychological distress and the rates of those who received mental health services and the types of mental health services received.

Starting A NAMI Crookston Area Affiliate - Dec. 10, 2008 -- (12-04-08) -- Local NAMI affiliates improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families by providing education, support and advocacy in their communities.

New Report on the Mental Health Reimbursement Policy -- (11-06-08) -- A new report released by three agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposes strategies to overcome barriers associated with the reimbursement of mental health services provided in primary care settings. Key actions recommended focus on a variety of stakeholders, including primary care providers, state Medicaid officials, and others billing for mental health services in the public sector, working together to promote a greater understanding of mental health reimbursement policy.

New SAMHSA Report Examines the Impact of Mental Health Self-Disclosure -- (10-27-08) -- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new report which reviews existing public health literature on how people who receive mental health services can be affected when they disclose this fact to others.

Detail on Mental Health Parity Legislation -- (10-14-08) -- The APA Practice Organization has provided a summary of the new parity legislation that answers questions for clinical providers.

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.

Depression: Out of the Shadows - May 21, 2008 -- (05-14-08) -- A PBS report on depression, including treatment options. Jane Pauley moderates a discussion after the film.

2007 Annual Community Mental Health Conference - Sept. 12th, 13th, and 14th -- (08-17-07) -- The 2007 Annual Community Mental Health Conference will be held at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota, September 12-14, with pre-conference institutes on September 11 and 12.

AIMHAC 2007: Reclaiming Cultural Healing in Mental Health - June 13-15 -- (06-05-07) -- A conference for professionals and non-professionals, both Indian and non-Indians interested in Indian Mental Health.

Barriers to Mental Health Care in Low-Income Mothers -- (05-30-07) -- This qualitative study examines why a sample of low-income mothers with significant mood and anxiety disorders did not seek care despite the fact that their own children were receiving mental health services.

Crisis Services 2007 Resource Guide -- (05-30-07) -- This is the resource guide for state operated Central Pre-Admissions (CPA). This is for all staff who are involved with crisis services

DHS Bulletin on requirements for transition planning for older youth in foster care -- (05-18-09) -- Legal requirements, best practices and resources for local social service agencies when planning for the transition of youth expected to leave foster care at age 18.

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.

Stimulus Aid to Schools a Management Challenge -- (02-17-09) -- The $787 billion economic-stimulus bill that President Barack Obama signed into law today presents an unprecedented opportunity—and an unprecedented management challenge—for new U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

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.

Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarship Program -- (12-09-08) -- This program awards eighty $5,000 merit-based scholarships for college sophomores and juniors seeking a career in tribal health, tribal public policy or the environment.

Native American Congressional Internship Program -- (12-08-08) -- This is a ten-week summer internship in Washington, DC, for Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate, graduate and law students. Students are placed in Congressional offices, committees, or select agencies to experience an insider's view of the federal government and learn more about the federal government's trust relationship with tribes.

The Child Defender - Dec. 2008 -- (12-03-08) -- The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Minnesota newsletter discusses the latest happenings at CDF Minnesota, including their goals for the new year in light of the historic 2008 elections, and their upcoming efforts at the State Capitol to enact the new "Minnesota Health Security Act," which would provide health coverage to all Minnesotans, starting with children.

Sustaining Grassroots Community-Based Programs: A Tool Kit for Community-and Faith-Based Service Providers -- (08-18-08) -- Grassroots community and faith-based treatment and recovery providers are concerned about continuing critical services for people affected by substance abuse and mental health disorders. This tool kit by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is designed to help these organizations plan for long-term survival.

Do Fathers Benefit from Parent Training Programs? -- (05-08-08) -- This meta-analysis sought to investigate the effects of parent training programs on fathers. More specifically, it sought to examine previous studies to determine (1) whether including fathers in parent training enhances children’s outcomes and (2) whether mothers and fathers benefit equally from parent training programs.

CHCS Launches Online "ROI Forecasting Calculator for Quality Initiatives in Medicaid" -- (04-24-08) -- The Return on Investment Forecasting Calculator for Quality Initiatives is a new web-based tool designed to help Medicaid stakeholders identify programs with the potential to both improve health care quality and control costs. The Center for Health Care Strategies developed this practical tool with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

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.

It's My Life: A Framework for Youth Transitioning from Foster Care to Successful Adulthood -- (08-08-07) -- A holistic approach for those who play a role in how young adults envision and achieve success in adulthood.

Minnesota tests day care ratings -- (07-17-07) -- Pilot programs aimed at needy families in St. Paul, 3 other communities

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #1 - Out-of-School Research Meets After-School Policy -- (08-02-04) -- The past five years have seen a ground swell in public attention and public policy aimed at increasing the availability of after-school programs for children and young teens during the "risk" hours when safety, supervision and homework are of top concern.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #2 - High School After-School: What Is It? What Might It Be? Why Is It Important? -- (08-02-04) -- High school is becoming the next frontier for after-school advocates. The conceptual and practical leaps from programming for elementary and middle school students to high school students are significant, and the marketing challenges are huge. Arguing persuasively for investments in this population requires revisiting almost every strategic decision made, from public education to policy framing to partnership development.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #3 - Reflections on System Building: Lessons from the After-School Movement -- (08-02-04) -- This commentary addresses the potential for, and threats to, the development of a healthy, connected out-of-school time system.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #4 - After-School for All? Exploring Access and Equity in After-School Programs -- (08-02-04) -- While significant progress has occurred over the past several years in terms of expanding both the quantity and quality of after-school opportunities, the ambitious idea of after-school for all remains a distant goal. In this commentary, we push beyond some of the basic numbers to take a close look at questions related to access and equity.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #5 - Inside the Black Box: Exploring the "Content" of After-School -- (08-02-04) -- Program content is closely linked with our understandings about the purpose of after-school programming. As discussions continue about whether or not after-school programs should support academic achievement and calls for accountability continue shaping our understanding of the purpose of after-school, several questions emerge to help us uncover what's inside the "black box" of after-school programs.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #6 - Participation during Out-of-School Time: Taking a Closer Look -- (08-02-04) -- This commentary examines the issue of youth participation in out-of-school time programs from two perspectives. It begins broadly and with a youth-centered lens, by asking how children and youth spend their discretionary time and how time use patterns relate to outcomes. After painting a picture of the full out-of-school time landscape, it looks specifically at structured program participation and provides at least partial answers to some basic questions.

Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary #7 - School's Out: A Look at Summer Learning and Engagement -- (08-02-04) -- The seventh in our Out-of-School Time Policy Commentary Series examines the issue of summer learning. We look at how children and youth spend their summers; the programmatic landscape of summer; the research behind the usefulness of summer learning opportunities; and some policy opportunities and challenges.

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.

The Wet'suwet'en Unlocking Aboriginal Justice Program: Restorative Practices in British Columbia, Canada -- (10-22-03) -- The Wet'suwet'en Unlocking Aboriginal Justice Program (WUAJ) is a community-driven restorative justice project initiated and operated by members of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation, in northwest British Columbia, Canada.