*Funding for the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health ended September 30, 2009. A new grant for a Research and Training Center focusing on transition-aged youth, ages 14-30, has been awarded to Portland State University.

The Building on Family Strengths Scholarship has been established to recognize the contributions of the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health and the importance of leadership of family members in the human services workforce. More specifically, the scholarship is intended to support the education of MSW students who are preparing for careers in Social Work. The scholarship will be awarded to students who have experience with seeking services and providing care for a family member less than 18 years of age with a serious mental health condition. Click here to donate.

Topics could include:

• Historic events that have shaped the field of mental health
• Ways the RTC has affected families & children
• How 25 years of funding has advanced research on children’s mental health
• Any other memories, reflections, or impacts you would like to share!
  
  

  When I began the transition from a youth recieving mental health services to an adult working in (and hopefully helping to transform) the sytstem about 7 years ago, the RTC at Portland State served as kind of a gateway to my new role.
  
  
  Myself and a handful of other youth were trained by Lyn Gordon and Mike Pullman to conduct focus groups with our peers in Clark County as part of the planning process for what became the Options program, Clark County's Partnership for Youth Transition program.
  
  I'm thankful for that opportunity, and all the opportunities I've had since then, to work with the great folks at PSU and USF and for the great work you have all done! Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Melanie Green, MH Recovery Coo at 01:16 PM
  
  

  What I wouldn't give to be at the celebration to reminisce with the SOC pioneers, Barbara, Barbara, Bob, Naomi, Sybil, Ira and Judith-Katz Levy!
  
  How well I remember my first Families as Allies conference in Mobile, Alabama. As a mother with a child in residential treatment, I couldn't believe that my voice mattered. Not long afterwards, the collective voices of families became stronger as the Federation of Families was born in Naomi's basement. Portland RTC empowered the voices of families by providing the research and training to document the value, importance and power of the family voice.
  
  I join with the chorus of families across the country who are indebted to Barbara Friesen and Nancy Korloff and the other Portland researchers whose work has touched so many families over the past 25 years. Systems of care would not be the same without your pioneering work. Congratulations and THANK YOU!
  Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by Jane Walker, Maryland Coalitio at 12:22 PM
  
  

  It is a joy to have worked with such incredible people throughout the years. So much work has been accomplished through the RTC and I am honored to have witnessed and participated in some of its endeavors, namely the National Wraparound Initiative (NWI). Thank you all for the opportunity to learn and share so broadly across the country. So much wisdom has developed because of your work and much will be accomplished because of your existence. As a family partner, I am grateful, and as a technical assistant, the learning and sharing orchestrated by the RTC will be deeply missed. Constance T. Burgess-Moffett, C. Burgess Consulting & Associates, San Leandro, California Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by C. Burgess-Moffett, Family Par at 11:54 AM
  
  

  What science? Like a crystal ball, people generally only see what they want to or chose to see. What I liked is that these folks took a different approach to things. They made a place for anyone, any view, even those that went through this system, no matter what they had so say, and I think that they even maybe grasped it? I hope that some how they can find a way to keep that up with some dignity and some hope and some liberty and justice for all even the young folks that they will be in contact with in the future. Empowerment and self actualization is really the way to go! Keep it up! Don't give up or sit back on your laurels, smile 4 you and thank you so very much. Posted Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 03:27 PM
  
  

  For so many years you have made research available and accessible to families, advocates, and providers. I have always looked forward to the next issue of Focal Points and the stories, coupled with science that you brought to life. Early on you helped define family partnerships and embraced the notion of early intervention. Thank you for all you have done to improve the lives of children and families.
  Roxane Kaufmann
  Georgetown University National TA Center for children's Mental Helath Posted Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 11:18 AM
  
  

  I think that you all have done some good things. I think you have tried to be open to many points of view. You have tried to support families, and that was a blessing to all that you came in contact with. Sad that you all will be closing. Now what will happen next? Posted Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 07:42 AM
  
  

  Hello everyone,
  
  I am not able to attend but have had the opportunity to attend conferences in the past and have learned and incorporated many pearls of wisdom. I used to be the president of the board of Families Together in New York State. I am now an LCSW practicing on Long Island in New York focusing on working with children and their families on attachment-trauma. I am also a Ph.D. candidate and recently read an assignment wherein many of you were cited. It was a pleasure to feel so close to the action.
  
  Thanks for all your wonderful work for children.
  
  Diane Kopitowsky, LCSW Posted Friday, October 9, 2009 at 08:18 AM
  
  

  I'm very sorry that I will have to miss the celebration. It would have been great to hear stories from all of the "historians" (better named "pioneers" and "visionaries"). The state of Kansas, like much of the nation, has certainly benefited from your efforts, including CAASP, system of care grants, and family advocacy. Thank you all for improving the lives of so many children and families.
  
  Posted Friday, October 9, 2009 by Chris Petr University of Kans at 08:15 AM
  
  

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