Children's Mental Health Week
The National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health has declared the first full week in May as National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. This is the time when schools, communities and organizations unite across the nation to raise awareness of children's mental health needs. It also highlights how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resiliency.
Benjamin Franklin High School joins the Louisiana Department of Education in raising awareness about children and adolescent mental health. We believe that: Mental health is essential to the overall health and well being of children and young adults; serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable; children and youth with mental health challenges and their families deserve access to services and supports; and that we must work toward reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
As we embark upon the end of the 2008-2009 school year, we want to provide parents with mental health resources and information to assist them in identifying problems, understanding mental health issues, and seeking support for their children. Below is a list of websites that will provide you with information. If you have further questions or concerns regarding your child or need additional resources for your family, email our school social worker, Tanya Jones or call (504) 286-2620.
Children's Mental Health Resources:
A Mental Health Site for Teens
National Mental Health Information Center
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Anxiety Disorder Association of America
National Site for Girl's Health
Mental Health America
National Institute of Mental Health
Academy of Eating Disorders
National Institute on Drug Abuse (teens)
National Resource Center on AD/HD
National Runaway Switchboard
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
Louisiana Office of Mental Health offices, locations and services:
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
CART (Children and Adolescent Response Team) a 24 hour crisis service:
(504) 897-4769 or 1-800-248-1152 |
