Conference Overview

The Children's Mental Health Network is proud to be a co-sponsor for the 25th Annual Children's Mental Health Research and Policy Conference hosted by the Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of South Florida.

Since 1988, Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of South Florida has been a leader in promoting the expansion of the research base essential to improved service systems for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families. Our first national conference, also initiated in 1988, was on system of care research primarily to enhance the capacity of the children’s mental health field to systematically study important issues. This conference has continued each year, bringing together more than 500 researchers, evaluators, policy-makers, administrators, parents, and advocates to share dialogue about important issues such as health, education and welfare, share new knowledge, and identify challenges that remain for the field.

Featured Speakers

Our keynote and plenary speakers are individuals who have made great contributions toward improving services for children, youth and families. This year, we are pleased to announce the first annual International Lecture Series plenary session, where we recognize the scholarly contributions of a global leader in promoting better understanding of the needs of children and families. Click here to learn more about all of our plenary speakers this year!

Symposia, papers and posters

The annual conference is the focal point for the national dissemination of outcome data, ongoing research and policy development updates in the children’s mental health field. The conference features a wide array of symposia, papers and poster presentations from an international field of scholars, educators, policy makers and families who are integrally involved in shaping the children’s mental health field in America. Details about an amazing array of symposia, papers and posters will be posted in early January. Stay tuned!

Intensive pre-conference sessions

Each year topical intensive pre-conference sessions are designed to stretch your thinking about how the use of research can and does impact policy and practice in children’s mental health. Click here to learn more about this year's Intensive Workshops

National technical assistance forums

A hallmark of this conference is the close collaboration with national research and training centers focused on community-based approaches to meeting the needs of children and families.

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