Council on Children, Adolescents and Their Families

The Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families works to advance the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with mental health problems. The council keeps psychiatric issues involving children and adolescents in the forefront of APA policy and works to assist general psychiatrists in learning more about treating or referring pediatric patients. **Highlights of Responsibilities** - Work with other APA components to advise and assist on matters that impact the emotional lives of children and adolescents such as substance abuse and matters related to juvenile justice. - Works to help maintain effective communication and collaboration between the APA and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. - Address the clinical care and provision of services of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities. - Work to increase the awareness of the prevalence and promote the prevention of all types of violence including the physical and exual abuse of children and spouse as well as other types of domestic abuse. - Work to promote policies aimed at improving the awareness of mental health issues and the effectiveness of school based treatments within schools across all age ranges and settings. - Help promote the identification, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues of infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children in collaboration with other professional organizations and related programs. - Oversee the activities of the Blanche F. Ittleson Research Award Committee. - Oversee the activities of Agnes Purcell McGavin Awards Selection Committee. - Oversee the activities of the Council-appointed Child and Adolescent Fellowship Program Work Group.