Family Voices Indiana

August 29, 2018Tricia Brooks
CMS has announced that it will launch a new innovation model funding opportunity this fall as part of a multi-prong response to the opioid crisis. The Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model aims to reduce expenditures and improve the quality of care for children under 21 years of age covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through prevention, early identification, and treatment of behavioral and physical health needs.

This is a really big deal – not only because the innovation model is focused on kids, but it is also intended to address one of the existing gaps in health care for children. Details about the program note that the current health care system faces challenges in the early detection of behavioral health conditions because the earliest signs may present outside of clinical settings, in schools, or when child welfare and foster care systems become involved with chaotic family situations.

Information about the new progr…

from INSOURCE:
As an organization, we have been hearing of conflicting understanding of the Endrew F. Supreme Court Case. In response to that and to also help parents better understand the implications of this Supreme Court decision, IN*SOURCE(the Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs) is providing a  toolkit to help you better understand this landmark decision.
Below, please find the basic elements of this case. The IEP must be "reasonably calculated" to help your child make progressAs a parent, you help decide whether the IEP has the input it needs to be appropriate for your childThe IEP should be "appropriately ambitious" about your child's future and what can be accomplished, andYour child must have the chance to meet "challenging" objectives. The Endrew F. toolkit (developed by understood.org) can be found on the IN*SOURCE website by clicking here.  Some of the resources provided in the toolkit include: Text of the Supreme Court…

What to do when toddlers bite — or when you child has been bit. Find answers to the most common questions about biting! If you’ve spent time on brighterfuturesindiana.org Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., or Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., you’ve seen a little window pop up to ask “Hello, how can I help you?” Or perhaps you’ve seen an orange tab that reads CAN WE HELP? Behind that chat window feature is a team of early childhood specialists. And they are ready to provide answers to questions about your child’s well-being, finding a great child care program and more. Because we’ve been getting lots of questions about biting, we asked Family Support and Resource Specialist Jennifer McQueen to guide us through some of the questions about biting that families ask us a lot. Brighter Futures Indiana: What is your advice when families ask about children being bitten?Jennifer McQueen: We first ask if it’s within the child care program, which typically is what happens. We ask parents to talk to t…

Presented by:
Elizabeth Avery, MA, LMHC-A and
Tiffany Creager, MSW, LSW

December 4, 2018 - Evansville, Indiana
December 5, 2018 - Avon, Indiana
December 7, 2018 - Fort Wayne, Indiana
December 11, 2018 - East Chicago, Indiana

Sponsored by:
Indiana School Mental Health Initiative
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana University – Bloomington
Workshop Overview According to research, signs of mental health diagnoses can often be detected in the child and adolescent years ahead of the diagnosis. Unfortunately, 50% of students in need of mental health supports will not receive it. Additionally, 8-10 years is passing between the onset of mental health symptoms and receiving treatment. Mental health disorders can present in a variety of ways. This workshop will provide information regarding how to detect a need for mental health support by evaluating both internal and external signs. We will utilize case studies to better understand how to use that information to create supportive cla…

Protect Healthcare and Disability Rights: Oppose the Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court!
Reminder: take action to protect the Affordable Care Act and disability rights! Fundamental civil rights and healthcare are two key issues in the Senate’s upcoming hearings on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  The hearings are set to start on September 4th. The vote on whether or not to confirm Kavanaugh will affect our laws and lives for decades.

CPR encourages people with disabilities, their families and allies to learn more about Judge Kavanaugh’s record and what his confirmation could mean to the disability community.  Educate your Senators about the importance of your rights and continuing access to healthcare.

Ask your Senators VOTE NO on his nomination.  Make your voice heard now! 

Call your Senators at (202) 224-3121. Or use this link from Access Living to write to your Senators.

For more information on Judge Kavanaugh, his disability record and what you can d…