Pre-conference Opportunities

There will be four distinct pre-conference opportunities immediately prior to the upcoming CMHACY conference. Two of these pre-conferences, one focused on and for youth and the other focused on and for caregivers and family members of youth, will open up conference related activities on Tuesday, May 16^th.  The other two pre-conferences, one focused on and for educators and the other focusing on and for county administrators and providers of services (both county and private providers), will begin on Wednesday morning, May 17^th. Although each pre-conference has defined content, they are not meant to be exclusive.  Individuals from any stakeholder group can register for and attend any of the pre-conference activities.

Below is a brief description of each pre-conference.  Continuing education units are available for those attending the Education or County/Provider pre-conferences (please see the CMHACY website for more information about pre-conference and conference continuing education opportunities).

Youth and Parent, Caregivers & Family Members Tuesday Joint Pre-Conference: 

Tuesday 2:00pm – 4:30pm:

1. Overview of conference
   1. History
   2. Activities
2. Getting the most out of the conference: guidelines to creating a personal conference schedule.
3.  “My Passport to Empowerment”   for youth  and  “Empowerment, Hope & Support” Parent, caregiver and family member passport

Tuesday 2:00pm – 4:30pm:

1. Scavenger hunt
2. “Buddy System”: Partnering with others who have similar experiences.

Wednesday 8:45am – 9:45am:

1. Wellness Wake-Up

Wednesday 10:00am – 12:30am:

1. Interactive Listening Session:  Needs and Solutions

Youth Focused Pre-Conference Activities:

Tuesday 7:30pm – 9:30pm:

Youth Leaders Reception: Meet leaders from the new statewide TAY mental health collaborative: “No Stigma No Barriers”.  Build community, share ideas, and enjoy desserts and evening tea.

Wednesday 8:15pm – 10:30pm

ARTE, the New York-based art and education program: Build positive messages for empowering mental health change.

Parents, Caregivers &Family Members Focused Pre-Conference Activities:

Tuesday 7:00 pm:

Come have a cup of coffee and desert at the Asilomar café in the Asilomar Lobby.

Wednesday 8:30pm:

Come play cards, board games or just participate in good conversation at Asilomar Lobby

Education Pre-Conference 

Wednesday 9:00am – 10:30am: What is this “MTSS” and How Does It All Fit In?

Attendees will learn:

• Core Elements of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports
• Educators’ Role in Early Identification of Students in Need of Additional Supports
• Family Involvement in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
• Reduction of Disproportionality

Wednesday 10:30am – noon:   Educational Implications of Continuum of Care Reform

Attendees will learn:

• Key Components of Continuum of Care Reform
• Impacts on the Education System
• Meeting the Needs of “High End” Youth
• Partnering With Short Term Residential Treatment Programs (STRTPs) and Foster Family Agencies

Counties and Community Based Agencies Pre-Conference

Wednesday 8:30am – 10:00am: Brand New Living Arrangements for Children in Foster Care

Attendees will learn:

• Core Changes to Residential Care Facilities
• Integrated Care Strategies
• Successful County Approval Processes
• Effective Collaboration With California Departments and Community Care Licensing

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Wednesday 10:00am – 11:30 am:  Ensuring Services for Those Children Placed “Out of County”

Attendees will learn:

• Defining Youths’ Federal Entitlement to Mental Health Services
• Identification of Barriers to Care for Foster Youth Placed “Out of County”
• Key Elements of AB1299:  “Presumptive Transfer”
• Successful Strategies to Overcome Barriers to the Implementation of AB1299
• Mitigating Risks to Children and Families