Hundreds of family members and advocates from across New York State will join Families Together in New York State, non-profit, family-run organization that strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with social, emotional and behavioral challenges, at the Annual Legislative Awareness Day on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, from 10:30am – 2:30pm at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Albany, New York. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., followed by speakers and awards. The event is free of charge and registration is required.
The goal of the day is to bring family members and advocates from across New York State together to meet with legislators and state leaders to have their voices, concerns and stories heard. The day will kick off with legislative visits and legislators have been invited to join the families for lunch. New Yorkers interested in creating change in children’s mental health and family support and hearing inspirational speakers talk about the power of family support and the need to create positive change for children with mental health and other challenges should attend. The Families Together 2013 Policy Agenda, reflecting the needs of children, youth and families with mental health challenges, will be presented.
2013 Policy Agenda Priorities includes:
•Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility
•Supporting the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
•Implementing Federal Health Care Reform in New York
•Supporting the Close to Home Initiative, that diverts youth from the juvenile justice facilities into community-based programs
•Supporting the Children’s Plan
Educational and Funding Priorities will also be presented.
Families Together in New York State is the statewide chapter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, working diligently to provide support and advocacy for families of children and youth with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. The agency collaborates with families, schools, policymakers and service providers to ensure families receive the services needed for their children.
The mission of Families Together is to ensure that every family has access to needed information, support and services.
For more information, please contact Tracie Killar, Director of Communications, at 518.432.0333 x 24 or tkillar@ftnys.org
