For Immediate Release
Contact: Rob Grant, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
rgrant@aacap.org
Anna Eisenberg, Communications Coordinator
202.966.7300, Ext. 154
aeisenberg@aacap.org
Washington, D.C., May 6, 2010 -The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is pleased to announce U.S. Representative Bobby Scott as this year's recipient of the Friends of Children's Mental Health Award. The award was established in 2008 to honor those who have made significant contributions to society through support of child and adolescent psychiatry.
"Congressman Scott continues to be an outspoken voice for real juvenile justice reform. He understands the societal ramifications of institutionalizing children, rather than treating the root cause of these issues," said Louis Kraus, AACAP officer and Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee.
"His commitment to these issues is strong and the Congressman is deeply interested in the latest science behind child and adolescent psychiatry because he is aware of the importance of early intervention and prevention," Kraus said.
Congressman Scott, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, is recognized for his extraordinary leadership in reforming the juvenile justice system and for championing children's mental health issues. His efforts to pass the Youth PROMISE Act, seeking to reduce gang violence and crime, is hailed as a significant shift in how communities are addressing juvenile justice through law enforcement, court services, schools, and mental and behavioral health providers. This work, and his leadership on the House Education and Labor Committee with jurisdiction over children, families, and schools, has earned Congressman Scott the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of the juvenile justice community.
Representative Scott accepts the Friends of Children's Mental Health Award at the AACAP Annual Advocacy Day on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the award, please contact Anna Eisenberg, Communications Coordinator, at 202.966.7300, ext. 154 or aeisenberg@aacap.org.
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Representing over 8,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children's mental health.
AACAP Members actively research, diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents and their families. For more information please visit www.aacap.org.
