National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: May 9, 2012
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a day to join communities, organizations, agencies, and individuals nationwide in raising awareness that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth. In 2011, more than 1,100 sites observed the day with community events, youth rallies, social media campaigns, and art-, dance-, and music-related activities for children and youth aimed at raising awareness about the importance of children's mental health. This year's focus will be on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma. To learn more about National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2012, go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Web site.
National Association of Drug Court Professionals 18th Annual Training Conference: May 30June 2, 2012
To be held in Nashville, TN, this conference will feature more than 175 educational sessions on drug courts, DWI [Driving While Intoxicated] courts, veterans treatment courts, tribal healing to wellness courts, mental health courts, juvenile and family drug courts, and more. Registration is available online.
31st Annual National CASA Conference: June 912, 2012
Each year, more than 1,400 court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) and guardians ad litem, board members, volunteers, judges, attorneys, and other child welfare professionals gather to connect with peers and learn from leaders in the field. The 2012 National CASA Conference will take place in Washington, DC.
National Institute of Justice 2012 Conference: June 1820, 2012
The National Institute of Justice's annual conference brings together criminal justice scholars, policymakers, and practitioners at the local, state, and federal levels to share the most recent findings from research and technology. To be held in Arlington, VA, the theme of this year's conference is "Turning to Science: Enhancing Justice, Improving Safety, Reducing Costs." The conference will showcase what works, what doesn't work, and what the research shows as promising. For more information and to register, visit the conference Web site.
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges' 75th Annual Conference:
July 1518, 2012
This conference, to be held in New Orleans, LA, will focus on a range of juvenile and family law topics, including child abuse and neglect, trauma, custody and visitation, high-conflict divorce, juvenile justice, domestic violence, and substance abuse. The annual conference provides information and tools to juvenile and family courts to support their efforts to improve case processing and outcomes for children, youth, families, victims, and communities. For more information and to register, visit the conference Web site.
Fifth National Conference on Behavioral Health for Women and Girls: July 1719, 2012
This conference, which will take place in San Diego, CA, will bring together professionals working in prevention, mental health, and addiction services for women and girls. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in partnership with Mental Health Systems, Inc., "It's All About HERRHealth, Empowerment, Resilience, and Recovery" will emphasize gender-responsive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed principles and practices. For information and to register, visit the conference Web site.
Children's Defense Fund National Conference: July 2225, 2012
The conference will present the latest research findings, best practices, community-building models, and empowerment strategies to meet the needs of children and the poor, including a focus on diminishing child and youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. The conference will take place in Cincinnati, OH. Registration is available online.