Our Purpose
The Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) was founded in 1989 by two parents of children with emotional disorders to support families who were shamed and blamed for their children’s problems. ACMH is a family organization with statewide staff and membership who support activities to enhance the system of services which address the needs of children with serious emotional disorders and their families. ACMH is a statewide chapter of the national Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and our membership of over 1200 individuals is comprised of family members, professionals and concerned community members.
We provide advocacy to individual children and their families across Michigan, to help them secure the most appropriate and effective services possible. We work in partnership with the Department of Community Health, Family Independence Agency, Community Mental Health Authorities, Family Court, the Department of Education and local school districts and have many accomplishments to celebrate. Our local staff (who are predominately parents of children with serious emotional disorders) are active in system reform efforts and are often the catalyst for important innovations in local service systems. At the state level, ACMH staff and volunteers advocate for policy and legislative development to improve services to families.
Our Vision
All Michigan children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and their families live in a safe, welcoming community with access to needed services and supports.
Our Mission
ACMH provides information, support, resources, referral and advocacy for children and youth with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and their families.
Our Values
- Family-driven - families are the best advocates for their children and must be partners in all levels of decision making
- Youth-guided – youth involvement in all levels of decision making
- Strength-based – all children, youth, and family members bring unique strengths to be honored and nurtured
- Whole Child – families, educators, service providers and ACMH advocates operate as a team to meet the needs of each child or youth
Our Goals & Objectives
Expand the Capacity of ACMH to Provide Advocacy for Individual Families.
- Add family advocates in at least three new MI communities
- Ensure completion of core curriculum for all new advocates, ongoing opportunities for new learning and continuous development for all staff, and an active coaching/supervision model for family advocates.
Foster Public Education and Community Acceptance.
- Promote family involvement and leadership within development, content, and implementation of the campaign.
- Develop options for expanded multi-media outreach, including maintaining up to date website
- Target legislators, community mental health providers, schools, and courts
Increase funding capacity.
- Activate committee and plan
- Develop a fund development plan (including membership suggestions & objectives) within 6 months
- Explore fee for service options
Increase Governmental Education.
- Facilitate communication and family connections with MI legislators and government officials
- Collaborate with other agencies on shared advocacy agendas
Adopted October 15, 2007
