May is a special month for the Ohio Children's Alliance, because it is both National Foster Care Month and Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we recall our mission-driven commitment to vulnerable kids and families and reiterate our sincere gratitude for our members, the health and human services agencies that serve them. Additionally, the associated Awareness Days in 2022 are both on May 5.
THANK YOU Ohio Children's Alliance Members for everything you do for these youth!
As many of you know, we are offering new programs and resources to support our foster care and behavioral health providers, including our Foster Care Recruitment initiative and Therapeutic Childcare program. You can learn more about these on our website.
There are also several resources for those interested in observing these important holidays:
The Children's Bureau's National Foster Care Month campaign recognizes the important role that members from all parts of child welfare play in supporting children, youth, and families. Learn more about this year's theme on strengthening relative and kin connections and the positive impact these relationships have on maintaining family and cultural ties for children and youth in foster care. You can learn more about the Campaign here.
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Since 2005, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has observed Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day to inform the public of the efficacy of community-based services and to demonstrate how initiatives for children’s mental health promote positive development and resilience. On May 5, SAMHSA will host a virtual event for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2022, with speakers from SAMHSA leadership, to commemorate youth and child mental health and honor peer and family support.
