Moving the field forward with cutting-edge research and ideas

When serving children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems, what works? What improves their outcomes and chances to lead a successful, productive life? For over two decades, the Research and Training Center (RTC) for Children’s Mental Health has hosted a research conference in Tampa to share what has proven to work in child-serving systems throughout the nation. This year's conference will be hosted by the University of South Florida Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS) and represents an exciting step forward to sustaining the RTC quest to provide a forum for constructive dialogue about key innovations in the field of children's mental health.

Significant accomplishments to the field were made during the Center’s 25 years and five funding cycles, and although the Center’s funding cycle is complete, the staff of the Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS), in which the RTC resides, remains committed to broadening the knowledge base for improving child-serving systems through research-informed policies and practices.

It goes without saying that there is much yet to be accomplished, and the need is reflected in recent figures from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) stating that from 1996 to 2006, the number of Americans under care for mental illnesses nearly doubled. Among the numbers are the rising rates of mental and emotional problems among children and teenagers who are increasingly faced with depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, suicidal thinking, and other serious psychological/behavioral challenges.

We look forward to the engaged and spirited discussions that typically characterize this conference. By promoting cutting edge research and ideas, the 23rd Annual Children’s Mental Health Research and Policy Conference aims to enhance the effectiveness of services and systems for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families.