The Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families is charged with:

• Working to advance issues related to the diagnoses and treatment of mental health needs of children and adolescents with special attention to vulnerable populations.
• Keeping psychiatric issues involving children, adolescents, and their families in the forefront of APA policy.
• Working to assist general psychiatrists in learning more about the diagnoses & treatment of mental illness and the effects of physical illness on mental health in children & adolescents.
• Working with other APA components to advise and assist on matters that impact the emotional lives of children & adolescents such as substance abuse and matters related to juvenile justice.
• Working to help maintain effective communication and collaboration between the APA & the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Term

Three years; volunteer leaders will be eligible for reappointment for an additional three year term at the conclusion of their first term.

Expected Time Commitment

Monthly meetings and work on deliverables outside of monthly meetings.

Desired Expertise

The Council's upcoming projects and therefore desired expertise would involve topics of artificial inteligence and other influences of technology on children and adolescents, the impact of violence in schools, social isolation, climate change, and immigration.

Responsibilities

Leaders on the Council initiate involvement in the review of position statements, creation of background and resource documents, and bring their unique job perspectives to group discussions. Group leaders should encourage and reach out to fellows and ECP members who may look to them for guidance on the Council or otherwise.