Research, Practice and Policy

In 2007, Mental Health Connection kicked off a multi-year, multi-disciplinary learning experience focused on connecting the worlds of research, practice and policy. Since 2007, an annual symposium has featured nationally renowned speakers who have addressed the science of change as well as the latest research in mental health care for children and adolescents.

Following the first symposium, more than 100 members of the community participated in Learning Communities. The groups read the research on evidence-based practices, and each wrote a report that recommended a pilot program for Tarrant County. After the second symposium in 2008, Implementation Teams formed to determine the best ways to develop the proposed pilot programs.

At the most recent Symposium in November 2009, speakers addressed the evidence in mental health care for children between the ages of birth and 11. Links to the presentations by the 2009 speakers are below.

How Do We Stop the Cycle: From Cradle to Prison?
Kelli King-Jackson, Texas Outreach Director, National Children's Defense Fund

Trauma and the Brain: What are the Effects of Trauma on Childhood  Development?
Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Fellow, ChildTrauma Academy

"Effects of Traumatic Events on Children: An Introduction"
Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Fellow, ChildTrauma Academy

What is the Evidence on Medication in Early Childhood?
Peter Jensen, M.D., President, CEO and Founder, The REACH Institute

How Can We Make Change Work?
Allison J.R. Metz, Ph.D., National Implementation Research Network

How Do We Change the Policy and Find the Funds?
Janice L. Cooper, Ph.D., National Center for Children in Poverty

Initial Research
Learning Communities
Learning Communities' Final Reports
2007 Bridging the Gap Symposium Information