With and ever-increasing number of today’s youth being identified as having mental health challenges, the need for understanding the challenges is paramount. This workshop will provide a general overview of common disorders impacting youth, describe the difference between typical behaviors and those of youth experiencing a mental health crisis and how this may differ from an adult in crisis. Participants will have an increased awareness of common mental health disorders of youth, increase their understanding of the challenges faced by youth, and become aware of approaches that are supportive to youth living with mental health challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will have an increased awareness of common mental health disorders impacting youth.
• Attendees will increase awareness of the challenges faced by youth with mental health diagnoses.

Presenter: This presentation will be offered by Wisconsin Family Ties, the largest parent-run organization of its kind in the state. Wisconsin Family Ties offers research-based, family-focused parent-led programs and services. The presenter of this training brings unique parenting experiences, researched-based information, and hope to those who interact with youth with mental health needs.

Deb Ramacher– Deb Ramacher is the parent of 3 young adults with a variety of special needs. She has worked at Wisconsin Family Ties for 16 years, and prior to that was with WSPEI (the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative) for 7 years. She began her work at Wisconsin Family Ties as a parent peer specialist and is currently in the position of clinical director. Deb is passionate about parent peer support and its benefits to both families and systems.