| Indiana Federation of Families For Children's Mental Health Brenda Hamilton, Executive Director 2205 Costello Drive Anderson, IN 46011 Toll Free Number: 1-866-247-8457 Local Number: (765) 622-0601 Fax: (765) 622-0643 [email protected] |
| Our Children Our Families Our Mission |
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Our Children Six to eight million children and young people in the United States have emotional, behavioral or mental disorders in need of treatment. Half of these children have problems which are severe and persistent. These problems take many forms - children may be self-abusive or aggressive toward others. They may be fearful, withdrawn or depressed. In more serious cases, they may lose touch with reality and have unusual fantasies or hallucinations. The causes of these problems are largely unknown and vary from child to child. Current research suggest that biological, social, psychological and environmental factors all play a role. Therapeutic, educational and social services are essential to meet the needs of these children and their families. Unfortunately, many communities do not have these services available. Families have the choice between limited outpatient services or restrictive and often unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization or residential care. |
| We're in this together..... |
| Our Families The need for services extends throughout society. All income, educational, racial, ethnic and religious groups are affected. It exists in single-parent homes and in birth,foster and adoptive families. But for all our differences, we have many things in common. We need accurate testing of our children and appropriate therapeutic, educational, social and recreational programs. We need services that help our children to learn, develop and grow within our homes and communities. We need apprpriate childcare services so that families can participate in social and recreational activities and avoid becoming isolated from friends and relatives. Ofen, family members must struggle to cope with the difficult behaviors of children with mental health needs and face staggering cost for special treatment education and other services. |
| Our Mission We are many familes, organizations and individuals with a common dream - we dare to hope for a better future for children with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Children with mental health needs are people first. We must work with their strengths and needs and always respect their rights as individuals. These children and their families are as diverse as society itself. Parents are the most important experts of their children's welfare because of their lifelong knowledge of the child. Families are a source of strength for children with mental health needs. Services to the child and family must be available, accessible and appropriate. Services must be provided on the basis of needs regardless of the family's ability to pay. |
| Visit our web site at http://indianafamilies.org |
| Come Join Us |
| IFFCMH is a network of families of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. We connect not only with other families, but, with professionals and other interested people and groups. We speak with one voice to policy makers, professional organizations, legislators and the general public on the needs of children with emotional problems and their families. * Connect statewide with families, professionals and organizations involved in issues of children's mental health. * Training and assistance in advocacy * Subscription to our newsletter * Information and referral services * Access to support groups * E Mail alerts on children's issues * Access to resource materials |
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| All information taken from the IFFCMH brochure. |
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| IN*Source |
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