Advocacy Days
Join us on May 6-7, 2010 for the annual American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Advocacy Days in Washington, DC! During this two-day event, you will learn about the legislative process, how to become a better advocate, and the policies that impact child and adolescent mental health in addition to meeting with your members of Congress. By speaking with your members of Congress, you will raise awareness for children's mental health issues and help our leaders better understand the serious needs of children and families. There is no better way for child and adolescent psychiatrists and families to effect change!
Advocacy Days are a great opportunity to become part of the legislative process, develop relationships with legislators, and discuss the issues that most affect patients and practice. The AACAP Department of Government Affairs will schedule your Congressional meetings, guide you on what to say and do during your meeting, and provide you with the policy materials to shape your message.
For answers to some frequently asked questions about Advocacy Days, click here.
For more information, contact Karen Davis at kdavis@aacap.org or 202.966.7300, ext. 128.
Federal Advocacy
Despite treatment advances and better early identification, most youth with mental illnesses do not receive treatment. Some of the barriers to treatment include: a sever shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, lack of adequate coverage of services within health care systems, lack of research funding, lack of community mental health services. The AACAP has a legislative agenda to help eliminate these barriers.
The New Congress
The 111th Congress has brought many new faces to the Capitol. There are a total of 54 new members of the House and nine new Senators. Our government affairs department has collected information on these new members, such as their support for mental health issues and committee assignments for legislation pertaining to health issues. Click here to see further information about the new members of Congress.
Click here for the latest health care reform news and updates!
Click here to access our new Legislative Action Center!
Correspond with your elected Senators and House of Representative members.
Federal Legislative Initiatives
Action Alerts
AACAP Congressional Statements
Click here for more information on the AACAP Congressional Fellowship Program.
State
Legislative Initiatives - coming soon
2009 State Bills (Excel Spreadsheet)
June State Update
Action Alerts
AACAP State Government Advocacy Manual 
Understanding Your State Legislator
AACAP Legislative Bill Tracking
State Advocacy Materials
Model State Workforce Legislation
Improving Mental Health Factsheet
Psychologist Prescribing Factsheet
Check out these examples of strong bullying laws.
Other Useful Information and Helpful Links
Bill of Rights for Children's Mental Health Disorders and their Families
All families deserve access to quality mental health treatment. This Bill of Rights for Children’s Mental Health Disorders and their Families was developed by a coalition for children’s mental health facilitated by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It is an important guide for families and their physicians to use when advocating for what families living with mental illnesses should expect from treatment.
AACAP Policy Statements
Factsheets
Regulatory Issues
Special Reports
THOMAS - Legislative search engine
House, Senate - to access congressional member and committee Web sites
Legislative AACAP News Articles
57th Annual Meeting
October 26-31, 2010
New York, NY
Hilton New York
Call for Papers
The submission deadline for AACAP's Annual Meeting Call for Papers is Tuesday, February 16, 2010 or Tuesday, June 15, 2010 for late New Research Posters. All submissions must be made online. Click here for complete details and to start a submission.
Preliminary Schedule
The Annual Meeting Preliminary Schedule will be available online on June 15, 2010. The Registration Magazine with full program details will be mailed to all members in August. If you would like to be added to this mailing list, please contact Nelson Tejada at ntejada@aacap.org.
Registration
Registration for the Annual Meeting will open in August.
Hotel Reservations
The host hotels for AACAP's 57th Annual Meeting are the Hilton New York and Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. The room block is not open to make reservations for the Annual Meeting and rates have not been confirmed. Check back in February for more information.
Sign Up to be a Monitor!
Attention: Residents, Trainees, Medical and Other Students
Would you like to receive a FREE Annual Meeting Registration?
If so, serve as a MONITOR for one full day to receive free registration for the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Check back on this site in May to sign up to be a Monitor.
Exhibit and Advertising Opportunities
Interested in exhibiting or advertising at AACAP's Annual Meeting? If so, contact Lindsay Schlauch at 202.966.7300, ext. 104 or lschlauch@aacap.org.
