About the Center

The Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health at USF's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS) was initiated in 1984 to address the need for improved services and outcomes for children with serious emotional/behavioral disabilities and their families.

Through 2009, the Center conducted research, synthesized and shared existing knowledge, provided training and consultation, and served as a resource for other researchers, policy makers, administrators in the public system, and organizations representing parents, consumers, advocates, professional societies, and practitioners.

The Center's annual conference became the principal national forum for exploring research and evaluation findings related to the implementation of systems of care. It is now sponsored by CFS, whose staff remain strong and dedicated to continuing the work of the Center.