Advocacy Days
Join us on May 6-7, 2010 for the annual American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Advocacy Days in Washington, DC! During this two-day event, you will learn about the legislative process, how to become a better advocate, and the policies that impact child and adolescent mental health in addition to meeting with your members of Congress. By speaking with your members of Congress, you will raise awareness for children's mental health issues and help our leaders better understand the serious needs of children and families. There is no better way for child and adolescent psychiatrists and families to effect change!
Advocacy Days are a great opportunity to become part of the legislative process, develop relationships with legislators, and discuss the issues that most affect patients and practice. The AACAP Department of Government Affairs will schedule your Congressional meetings, guide you on what to say and do during your meeting, and provide you with the policy materials to shape your message.
For answers to some frequently asked questions about Advocacy Days, click here.
Assembly and Advocacy Day Registration
If you want to attend the Advocacy Days ONLY, click here to download the registration form.
For more information, contact Karen Davis at kdavis@aacap.org or 202.966.7300, ext. 128.
Federal Advocacy
Despite treatment advances and better early identification, most youth with mental illnesses do not receive treatment. Some of the barriers to treatment include: a sever shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, lack of adequate coverage of services within health care systems, lack of research funding, lack of community mental health services. The AACAP has a legislative agenda to help eliminate these barriers.
The New Congress
The 111th Congress has brought many new faces to the Capitol. There are a total of 54 new members of the House and nine new Senators. Our government affairs department has collected information on these new members, such as their support for mental health issues and committee assignments for legislation pertaining to health issues. Click here to see further information about the new members of Congress.
Click here for the latest health care reform news and updates!
Click here to access our new Legislative Action Center!
Correspond with your elected Senators and House of Representative members.
Federal Legislative Initiatives
Action Alerts
AACAP Congressional Statements
Click here for more information on the AACAP Congressional Fellowship Program.
State
Legislative Initiatives - coming soon
2009 State Bills (Excel Spreadsheet)
June State Update
Action Alerts
AACAP State Government Advocacy Manual 
Understanding Your State Legislator
AACAP Legislative Bill Tracking
State Advocacy Materials
Model State Workforce Legislation
Improving Mental Health Factsheet
Psychologist Prescribing Factsheet
Check out these examples of strong bullying laws.
Other Useful Information and Helpful Links
Bill of Rights for Children's Mental Health Disorders and their Families
All families deserve access to quality mental health treatment. This Bill of Rights for Children’s Mental Health Disorders and their Families was developed by a coalition for children’s mental health facilitated by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It is an important guide for families and their physicians to use when advocating for what families living with mental illnesses should expect from treatment.
AACAP Policy Statements
Factsheets
Regulatory Issues
Special Reports
THOMAS - Legislative search engine
House, Senate - to access congressional member and committee Web sites
Legislative AACAP News Articles
