THE 2009 NATIONAL
YOUTH SUMMIT

THE 2009 NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT REPORT:

The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health is proud to share its report from the 2009 Portland National Youth Summit, which took place in Portland, OR on June 22, 2009. Included in this report is a description of the Summit's planning stages, information about creating and working with a Youth Summit Advisory Board, an overview of the Summit's activities, and details about the youth-centered topics Summit participants felt were crucial to improving mental health services for youth and young adults. Highlighted on the back cover is the Mental Health Youth Bill of Rights, which was formulated during the Summit. This report could not have been created without the hard work of the youth and allies dedicated to youth voice in all arenas of social services. Click here to read the report.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT:

On June 22nd, 2009, the RTC hosted the 2009 Portland National Youth Summit. Twenty-eight youth from twelve states attended and shared their experiences and expertise regarding mental health, foster care, juvenile justice, and other services. At the end of the day, these young leaders identified four priority areas to address in order to improve mental health services for young people nationally. They are:

1) increasing awareness of medication and treatment options
2) offering peer-to-peer supports
3) creating individualized and youth-led treatment plans
4) establishing resources for youth transitioning between child and adult services

During the Summit, participants also drafted a Mental Health Youth Bill of Rights. Their vision is that this Mental Health Youth Bill of Rights will be adopted by organizations such as Youth MOVE and SAMHSA and clearly displayed in every doctor's office, counseling center, and organization that services youth, ages 14-25, with mental health needs. In an effort to strengthen this document, Youth Summit participants are asking for additional feedback and support from anyone involved in the mental health network. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and receiving your support!

HOW TO STAY INVOLVED:

To review and add your thoughts to the Bill, take our survey!

Follow the progress by visiting the Mental Health Youth Bill of Rights Blog.

*photos courtesey of Carl Yonder, Youth MOVE