Washington DC - February 14, 2025: As the political landscape continues to evolve, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting and advancing the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families. We recognize that recent policy proposals and executive actions may bring uncertainty and concern about their impact on our profession and the patients we serve. Our mission has not changed, nor will our focus on science, clinical excellence, and advocacy for child and adolescent mental health. You are not alone—AACAP stands with you, offering the guidance, advocacy, and support necessary to navigate these challenges.

AACAP leadership is actively communicating with our Assembly, committees, caucuses, resource groups, and task forces to assess emerging developments and their potential impact on our field. Together, we are reviewing new information as it becomes available. We are monitoring developments, engaging with policymakers, allied organizations, and our international colleagues to ensure that the voices of child and adolescent psychiatrists—and the children and families we serve—are represented and protected.

Despite these uncertainties, AACAP is fully engaged in advancing our mission and supporting our members. We remain committed to Capture Belonging and Bringing the Village to the Children. We are well-resourced and will continue with all initiatives and priorities as intended. Recently, we hosted the AACAP/CACAP Pediatric Psychopharmacology Update Institute, a successful collaboration with the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, reinforcing our commitment to international partnerships. AACAP leadership also celebrated the 50^th Anniversary Meeting of AMPI (Asociación Mexicana de Psiquiatría Infantil) in Oaxaca, Mexico, further strengthening our global engagement in child and adolescent psychiatry.

At the same time, we continue to look ahead. Our Call for Papers for the 2025 Annual Meeting received an incredible response—the highest number of submissions to date—demonstrating our community's commitment to advancing critical research and clinical insights that shape the future of child and adolescent psychiatry. Additionally, our 2025 AACAP Legislative Conference, scheduled for May 5-6 in Washington, DC, offers a critical opportunity for members to engage with policymakers and advocate for children's mental health. Through all of this, AACAP remains a steady, active presence, ensuring that our profession continues to move forward while addressing the challenges of today’s political landscape.

Your Executive Committee remains dedicated to listening to your concerns and advocating on your behalf. In these uncertain times, AACAP is a stable and reliable resource.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the mental health of children and adolescents. Together, we will navigate these challenges, strengthen our profession, and ensure that the mental health needs of children and adolescents remain a priority.

With sincere appreciation,

Tami D. Benton, MD
President, AACAP

###

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promotes the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are the leading physician authority on children’s mental health. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org