Mental Health Advocacy and Policy Organizations

Annie E. Casey Foundation
http://www.aecf.org
    Annie E. Casey Foundation provides descriptions of programs it supports to foster public policies, human service reforms and community services to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.

Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
http://www.bazelon.org
    Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law provides legal information and advocacy for people with mental disabilities. Web site provides relevant news alerts, a listing of available publications and upcoming conferences, with a special section devoted to advocacy resources for children's mental health services. This section includes information for advocates on the on the Children's SSI Program and Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for families and advocates. Tel: 202-467-5730

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
http://www.nami.org/
    A primary source for information and helpful referral on all aspects of mental illness. Informs the general public that mental illnesses are no-fault, biologically based, treatable, and may eventually be curable. Encourages educators and care-givers to incorporate current research into mental illness practice. This site contains sections for youth and families.

National Center for Children in Poverty
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/nccp
    Provides information and analysis of policies and trends in child poverty, including the identification of strategies to help children overcome the risks associated with poverty. An electronic version of a NCCP publication "Lessons from the Field: Head Start Mental Health Strategies to Meet Changing Needs" is an example of their work and is available at the site

National Mental Health Association
http://www.nmha.org
    Promotes mental health through advocacy, education, research and services. A section of this web site is devoted to children and families. Contains information about government affairs and the state and federal levels.

Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
http://www.pacer.org
    PACER's mission is to improve and expand opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with all disabilities - physical, mental, emotional, learning - and their families. Its programs help parents become informed and effective representatives for their children. This site provides knowledge about laws, resources and parents' rights and responsibilities.