This presentation will focus on how mental illness may present in school-aged children and youth, different strategies that can be used at home and in school to help your child manage symptoms and behaviors, and provide a variety of different community resources to support your child.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the prevalence and signs of mental illness in children and youth.
• Identify different types of treatment modalities to manage symptoms of mental illness in children and youth.
• Identify different coping strategies for children and youth.
• Learn about different community resources available to individuals impacted by a mental illness.

Presenters:

Anna Moffit is currently serving in the position of Family Ombudsperson for the Madison Metropolitan School District. In her role she works directly with families by providing resources, support and information to improve their child’s experience in the Madison School District. She formerly served as the Executive Director of NAMI Dane County, Parent Peer Specialist with Wisconsin Family Ties, Madison School Board member and elementary educator. She has also done extensive advocacy work in the disability community and has a son on the Autism Spectrum.

Hugh Davis is the father of four children who have mental health needs. His personal experiences led him to leave his business career behind and join Wisconsin Family Ties, a statewide family-run organization serving families that include children with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. With Wisconsin Family Ties, he has worked diligently to enhance public understanding of children with mental health needs and their families. Mr. Davis has chaired multiple state-level mental health committees and is a founder of a national association of family-run organizations.