FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Fierce Advocates,
The past couple of months have been so busy here at PPAL. I’m guessing they’ve been equally busy for you as well. We’ve been busy with state budget advocacy (No DMH cuts for kids!), federal grant watches, programs galore, preparation for Children’s Mental Health Month in May, and finalizing our annual conference on May 30th! See inside for more about our state budget advocacy and our annual conference (you won’t want to miss it!)
While thinking more about these busy and somewhat troubled times, the idiom “Stay the Course” came to mind. According to Wikipedia it means to pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism. Since our advocacy meeting at the end of February, attended by 160 of you, we (parents, professionals, and advocates) have been pursuing a goal: to restore, in the state budget, the DMH Children, Youth, and Family funds to FY25 levels regardless of any obstacles or criticism. We are 100% staying the course and we are unrelenting at it! (Look inside to see our first win in the process!)
Parents/caregivers of kids with mental health challenges understand “staying the course” better than most. We advocate daily for our shared unwavering goal: to get our kids the services and support they need to be their best selves I am honored to be “staying the course” with so many of you. Together, we can make change – for our kids and those to come.
Be well, my friends. Estar bien, mis amigos.
Pam Sager
CONNECT WITH US!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
The Mental Health IEP
Thursday 5/1
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CLICK ON A TITLE FOR MORE INFO!
or visit http://ppal.net/events/
Uncomplicating the Complicated: Chaos to Calm
Monday 5/5
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Duck Day at Boston Public Garden
Tuesday 5/6
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Family Partner Community Healthcare Worker Panel
Tuesday 5/6
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
May 2025 Statewide: Addressing Anxiety in Children: A Comprehensive Approach
Tuesday 5/13
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
My Child Won't Go To School: What Now?
Tuesday 5/13
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
PPAL
FREEServices. Noinsurance required.
Parent/Caregiver Support
For More information go to PPAL NET
MONDAY
Are you navigating the mental or behavioral health systems for a child, teen, or young adult?
Request 1:1 peer support!
We have NO waitlist!
Virtual: Grupo de Apoyo Hispanol
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual: Parents Raising LGBTQIA+ Children
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hybrid: Parenting Young Adults - Looking to the Future
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY
Virtual: Soul Sessions
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Virtual: Relax & Connect 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Virtual: Parenting Young AdultsLooking to the Future
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
TUESDAY
Hybrid: Caregiver Connections
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Virtual: Soul Sessions 12:00 - 12:30 PM
THURSDAY
Virtual: Grandparents Lunch and Learn 2nd Thursday 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Virtual: Soul Sessions 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Virtual: Grandparents Connections 4th Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Do you need help navigating and advocating in the school system for a loved one with mental or behavioral health needs? Book an Ask The Advocate Appointment parentsupportgroup@ppal net
Virtual: Parent Support Group 6:00 - 8:00 PM
FRIDAY
Virtual: Parenting Power UP 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
WanttosponsortheLARGESTchildren’smentalhealthconferenceinNewEngland?
Clickheretobecomeasponsorabove$2,500
Clickheretobecomeasponsorupto$2,500
Or,clickheretomakeadirectdonationinsupportoftheConference
Thankyouforyoursupportofour14thAnnualConferenceonChildren’sMentalHealth
Seesomeofthisyear’ssponsorsbelow!
Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Hasan Davis, J.D.
Hasan Davis, known as the Hope Dealer, is a lawyer, juvenile justice advocate, and motivational speaker. He is unwavering in his commitment to improving the lives of young people and adults wherever they encounter government and social systems Navigating multiple challenges in his early life, including Dyslexia, home insecurity, ADHD, and a pre-teen arrest that led to 7 years of probation, Hasan's journey from juvenile delinquent to Juris Doctor serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact that caring adults can have when they actively champion the students in their lives. As a speaker, Hasan invites audiences on an emotional experience, blending elements of standup comedy, storytelling, and statistical insights. His mission is to empower care workers and advocates to become change agents, Hope Dealers, and champions for the amazing people they support Through his work, Hasan also wants to ensure that those members of our communities who have too often been left behind have hope, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive.
Hasan is an accomplished author, having penned 4 books that inspire and educate Hasan holds several honors including being named a Rockefeller Foundation Next-GenerationLeadership Fellow, An Annie E. Casey Foundation Children and Family Fellow and a Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellow. His work has shaped public policy and influenced reform in Juvenile Justice, Education, and Child Welfare systems. His dedication to justice and empowerment has earned him international recognition as a voice for positive change. He is a graduate of Berea College and the University of Kentucky College of Law
Hasan Davis J.D.
Founder/CEO,
Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C. www.hasandavis.com
Author: Written Off (2016), The Journey of York (2019), Human Writes (2022) The Race (2022)
Available on Amazon.com and Booksellers everywhere
Click Here to Register Now!
PPAL'S 14TH ANNUAL
Children's Mental Health CONFERENCE
FRIDAY,MAY30,2025
1. Suicidality Through a Cultural Lens: Supporting Loved Ones with Understanding and Care
Vesper Moore Chief Operating Officer, Kiva Centers
2. Nuts and Bolts of CRAs
Catherine A. Madsen, M.A., Esq. Staff and Legal Training Attorney
Rebecca Amdemariam, Esq. Attorney Committee for Public Counsel Services
3. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Families & Professionals to Overcome Systemic Trauma
Dr. Christian H. Bijoux bijoux Consulting Group LLC
4. Understanding and Responding to SelfInjury in Adolescents and Young Adults
Barent Walsh, Ph.D., Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Clinical Consultant at Open Sky Community Services
5. Understanding Teen Depression
Rebekah Gibbons, LICSW Families for Depression Awareness
Florcy Romero Families for Depression Awareness
6. Derechos en educación especial para estudiantes y familias multilingües e inmigrantes
Diana I Santiago, Esq Legal Director, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Children's Mental Health CONFERENCE
FRIDAY,MAY30,2025
AfternoonWorkshops
Gut Health and The Connection to Mental Health
Olivia Nakimera Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach CEO, Liv Wellness
WhatsOK? A unique opportunity to promote safe and healthy development in youth's sexual behaviors
Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC Director, Stop It Now!
The Five Principles To Better Supporting All Children
Guy Stephens Founder & Executive Director Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint
Early Psychosis: Symptoms, Identification, and Treatment
Emily Gagen, Ph D, Director Tanya Trevett, M Ed, Family Consultant Natalia Nodiff, Young Adult Peer Mentor, M-PATH
Addressing Anxiety in Children: A Comprehensive Approach
Marsha Charlton, NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Comprendiendo La Depresión En Los Adolescentes
Jorge Enrique Rivera Peña, Psy D. Florcy Romero Families for Depression Awareness
Click Here to Register Now!
PPAL's Question of the Month February 2025 Results
Need
a
break from parenting? What families are saying...
8 out of 10 families shared taking a break from a child with mental health needs would be helpful most or some of the time.
26% most of the time
54% some of the time
What would help?
Someone to watch my child for a few hours
Someone to take my child out of our home for a few hours
Someone to watch my child overnight
Someone to watch all my children for a few hours
What does this mean for families?
Most parents and caregivers of children with mental health needs don’t have a way to take a break from parenting the child who’s struggling. The top ask from families is just a few hours of support for their child who is struggling. This includes child care, peer mentors, or others who are able to support their child.
There are far too few opportunities for family respite or trained child care.
Looking for ideas? Call PPAL.
If you need help from PPAL right now, request family support here or call us toll free at (866) 815-8122.
PPAL's Question of the Month March 2025 Results
1 out of 3 children almost always experienced issues attending school.
School refusal?
What families are saying...
Trouble attending school?
8 out of 10 children refused to go to school, had trouble staying in school for the whole day, or did things to avoid attending school.
Why school avoidance?
59% Peer interactions/social situations are hard
56% Social/emotional needs not being met at school
55% Feels emotionally worse at school than at home
49% Academic demands and pressures
27% Being bullied
Do schools help? Getting support from schools was mixed.
Not at all helpful
Slightly helpful
Moderately helpful
Very helpful
What does this mean for families?
Of the families responding, approximately 80% of their children were experiencing some form of school avoidance.
For the students rarely attending school, unmet social/emotions needs was the top reason.
Families reported schools are not especially helpful when it comes to supporting students with school avoidance concerns.
Understanding and addressing school avoidance is complicated. Call PPAL for 1:1 guidance and support or attend PPAL’s training, My Kid Won’t Go to School: What Now? WE GET IT! WE CAN HELP!
CALLTOACTION
Learn more about the proposed cuts:
Significantly cutting DMH Flex and PACT-Y services that help keep children and youth in their homes and communities and out of hospitals and group care. This includes cutting Emergency Department diversion services.
Closing half of the adolescent Intensive Residential Treatment Program beds in the state when the need is great but the process has been flawed.
Closing the only age 6-12 Intensive Residential Treament Program in the state. Where will these kids go?
Cutting approximately 50% of DMH caseworkers for children, youth and families. There aren’t enough already. Closing the Pocassett Mental Health Center - the only DMH psychiatric hospital on the Cape.
What Can I Do?
Call your legislators and urge them to restore the FY26 DMH budget to FY25
Use the Phone Call Script for talking points: https://bit ly/DMHAdvocacy2025
Find your legislators HERE: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMy Legislator
Send your child's or family's story to PPAL to help with our advocacy efforts: info@PPAL.net
Sign the petition https://www.change.org/p/restore-dmhs-child-youth-family-budget-fy26
Send a letter/email to your State Senator and Representative urging them to fight for needed increases for DMH in children's mental health If possible, include your child's or family's story
See the Template Letter: https://bit ly/DMHtemplate
Find your legislators HERE: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMy Legislator
DMH Advocacy
On Wednesday, April 16 we learned that the House Ways and Means budget proposed to restore all but $3 million of the children’s DMH budget. We’re still nailing down where the funds are intended to go within the children's DMH budget, but we will definitely be letting you know when we know!
The next day, PPAL, as part of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, participated in a rally at the statehouse to demand that Massachusetts hold kids harmless in the state budget - NO CUTS FOR KIDS! Afterwards, a speaking portion inside featured the voices of lived expertise through parents and youth who have relied on DMH’s children's services
BUT OUR ADVOCACY IS NOT DONE:
We still have a chance to continue our advocacy–and restore the entire budget for DMH FY26. While the House Ways & Means has released a proposed budget, the MA House of Representatives must approve or change it before release. We’ll see what the final proposed House budget looks like. After the House budget is released, the MA Senate will go through their process- starting with the Senate Ways and Means. Once approved by the House and Senate, a final budget will go to the Governor. So, as you see, there is plenty of time and places for advocacy along the way! Contact your legislators now!
Don't know who your state rep or senator is? Click here!
“I would defy anyone to tell me that there is anything more important than the mental wellbeing, the behavioral health of children!”
- Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery and friend of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign!
DMH Advocacy
The legislators in the Joint Committee also heard from two parents connected to PPAL, Beth and Oonagh.
On Tuesday, April 8, Massachusetts residents from around the state trekked out to the statehouse to give testimony about the governor’s budget.
PPAL’s executive director Pam Sager testified– see her advocate for families like yours across the state! Pam’s testimony starts 6 hours and 5 minutes in
Click here to watch the stream!
“You’ve heard from many parents of children with mental health concerns today and we all belong to a club that nobody ever wants to join. It is statistically improbable that some of you are not also part of our club. There is no application to join and dues are paid in crocodile tears, screams of rage and frustration, and sleepless nights Not unlike The Hotel California, you may check out anytime you’d like, but you can never leave.”
Excerpt from Beth’s MA FY26 Budget testimony
To read the entire testimony, click here!
“I would like you to picture a rowboat out at Sea full of beautiful children- OUR FUTURE Over on the shore there is a glimmering lifeboat with IRTP written on it but the motor is broken. The lifeguards walk by and they see the lifeboat. Their immediate reaction is it is not being UTILIZED so let's throw it away. Not knowing all it needed was to have the motor fixed. Now look back out to the rowboat full of children. It is gone. It has been swallowed up by the waves
The motor on that rowboat is the arduous broken process that inhibits children from receiving lifesaving help from the IRTPs”
Excerpt from Oonagh’s MA FY26 Budget testimony
To read the entire testimony, click here!
Interested in giving testimony for the budget or a bill? Not sure exactly what 3 minutes of speech looks like on the page?
See the full testimony of our friends Beth and Oonagh above– or connect with them through PPAL’s Family Advocacy Alliance! See the next page!
Join PPAL’s Family Advocacy Alliance!
Get to know our incredible parent volunteers leading PPAL’s Family Advocacy Alliance!
Why are you interested in children’s mental health advocacy?
Beth:
I've been a mom, sitting bedside in a hospital feeling completely powerless and so very alone I had time to think about what got us there and what would get us out of there In those moments, I knew that the only way out was with a community of like minded parents and professionals who would fight for each one of our kids as a collective People don't tend to respond to one parent- they look for our differences to assure themselves that this horrible monster called mental illness won't visit their homes. When we work as a collective, we are impossible to ignore. We are mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors. We come from every possible demographic and we care about every one of our children as though they are our own because they are our own. As a collective we have immense power to create change.
Oonagh:
I have been interested in children's mental health advocacy for many years
Being a parent of a child who struggled with significant mental health issues, I could not believe the hurdles and hoops I had to go through to get basic, life-saving services
No parent should struggle like I did. Mental health care should be readily accessible to all, just like physical health care.
Beth, PPAL Parent Volunteer
Oonagh, PPAL Parent Volunteer
PPAL Family Advocacy Alliance
What children’s mental health advocacy have you been doing?
Beth:
In the past year, I have met with my State Representative, Marcus Vaughn (9th Norfolk District) several times asking for help. I've sat in meetings with DMH administrators and program heads discussing the needed change. I also serve as a Special Education Surrogate Parent for The Department of Children and Families. In this role, I step in as the parent figure as related to school- based decisions for kids in custody of DCF living in foster homes. Most of my SESP kids suffer from mental health related issues after experiencing the trauma of being separated from their families and experiences both before and after separation.
In the future, I hope to widen my network of policy makers and lend my voice to their work. I plan to be as outspoken as possible when appropriate while retaining my reputation as a voice of reason and a team player who can work creatively to create change.
Oonagh:
Some of the recent mental health advocacy that I have done includes bringing awareness to the loneliness children feel being away from the people they love over Christmas/Holidays when at the inpatient level of care or in DCF custody. I was getting tired of seeing famous celebrities/ sports players visiting and the generosity of the public with gifts at the holidays that are given to children in medical hospitals knowing that our children don't receive the same kind of attention. Last December I launched the Holiday Comfort Project and provided Christmas/holiday comfort gifts for over 55 children in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, acute residential facilities, DCF emergency shelters, and some immigrant children from Haiti. Every child got a squishmallow, a large comfy throw blanket, coloring books along with washable markers, and comfy socks. Each inpatient unit and shelter also got other bits and bobs, such as origami books, clothing, toothbrushes, and some really nice duffel bags. Last year the project was just in the Southeast of Massachusetts. This year. I plan on extending it further across the state. Fingers crossed I can get funding!
I gave testimony in front of the joint ways and means committee at the State House on April 8th to restore the IRTPs into the state budget. I also asked for level funding and to fix the broken referral process so cuts would not be made to any DMH services. I have also spoken out about the needs for the IRTPs through the media.
What is the PPAL Family Advocacy Alliance?
The Family Advocacy Alliance (FAA) serves to give a voice to those parents who are able to speak up and make change for the good of the whole We are working to attend rallies, testify before legislators, organize letter/email writing and phone call campaigns, and also keep the media updated on our plights
What is your vision for the future of the PPAL Family Advocacy Alliance?
We would like to see the FAA become a leading voice for families of loved ones with mental illness, focusing on legislative and policy change and tackling systemic barriers across the lifespan. As we are all aware, no decision affects only the individual– all decisions affect everyone who loves the individual We would like to become the "go to" experts when it comes to making decisions that affect us and our loved ones
Want to join the movement? Reach out to Beth and Oonagh at
Children’s Mental Health Bills
We’ve been talking a lot about the State Budget, but we also want to emphasize some important bills that we’re bringing forward as a member of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign!
Every legislative session, the Children’s Mental Health Campaign aims to strengthen behavioral health supports for children across three focus areas--their homes, schools, and communities.
Take a look at what we’re working on this session, and continue building that relationship with your state legislators--give your senator and rep a call!
An act regarding families and children in need of assistance
S.141 / H.265
Filed by Senator Kennedy and Representative Mendes Click here to view a fact sheet about this bill.
This bill will:
Require schools to refer students to FRCs (Family Resource Centers) no fewer than 45 business days prior to CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) filing.
Require schools to obtain an attestation from the FRC indicating that the family has been referred for services, and that community based resources have been exhausted.
Require the OCA (Office of the Child Advocate) to prepare educational materials about community-based alternatives to filing a CRA and the potential adverse outcomes of becoming involved in state systems and make this publicly available on the CRA section of the website for the juvenile court. Require that all individuals filing a CRA petition attest to having watched the video prior to filing a CRA petition.
Children’s Mental Health Bills
An Act expanding access to mental health services
H.1131 / S 773
Filed by Senator Keenan & Representative Decker
Click here to view a fact sheet about this bill.
This comprehensive legislation builds on Chapter 177 of the Acts of 2022 to expand access to mental health services across Massachusetts by increasing insurance coverage, removing prior authorization requirements, expanding provider eligibility, and improving emergency psychiatric care.
An act relative to school Medicaid reimbursement
S.862 / H.545
Filed by Senator Fernandes & Representative Decker
Click here to view a fact sheet about this bill
This bill will:
Redirect school Medicaid funds back to schools for health services and administration. Ensure schools benefit fully from submitting claims, maximizing federal funds, and expanding access to student health services.
An Act ensuring efficient & effective implementation of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform
S.1394 / H.2193
Filed by Senator Cyr & Representatives Barber & Rogers
Click here to view a fact sheet about this bill.
This bill will help ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, including the Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL), Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), and Behavioral Health Urgent Care Providers.
From our CMHC partners Health Care For All:
An Act ensuring equitable health coverage for children
H.1403/S.855
Lead Sponsors: Rep. D. Rogers & Sen. DiDomenico
Click here to view a fact sheet about this bill.
Cover All Kids would remove immigration status as a barrier to full MassHealth coverage for children and youth under age 21.
This May, join us in highlighting the importance of children’s mental health and recognizing that EVERYONE has mental health needs. Learn and reflect through books and resources, and advocate with us in your community, school, and local government!
Join us to Dress the Ducklings in the Boston Public Garden for Children’s Mental Health Month!
May 6th, 2025
Can’t make it? Join us next year! And in the meantime, participate in Children’s Mental Health Month using our 2025 Toolkit below!
Printable Toolkit Includes: Top 10 Recommended Books for Kids and Parents!
May 2025 Mental Health Calendarwith facts, resources, and action steps!
Advocacy Action Steps
PPAL’s Library Project for Children’s Mental Health Month
This year, we’re excited to announce our partnership with libraries across the state to promote Children’s Mental Health Month! Look for one of these books in your local library:
Adult Books Children’s Book
Download our Library bonus toolkit, featuring 10 adult and 10 child reading recommendations!
Check out the multicultural team’s recent highlights!
PPAL at the Eastie Coalition Youth Workshop
PPAL staff members Anna Cady Clouse and Johana Rodriguez recently presented at the Eastie Coalition Youth Workshop hosted by NeighborHealth. This engaging session provided an opportunity to discuss PPAL's mission, the role of Youth MOVE Massachusetts, and the importance of mental health awareness among young adults
During the workshop, Anna Cady and Johana shared insights into PPAL's work in supporting families and youth with mental health needs. They emphasized how Youth MOVE empowers young people to advocate for their mental health and foster peerled initiatives. The presentation created a supportive environment for participants to explore resources and strategies for maintaining good mental health.
NeighborHealth: Their website is www.neighborhealth.com. Since 1970, their mission has been to provide high-quality care and wellness resources to communities across Greater Boston.
Eastie Coalition: Their website is www eastiecoalition.org. Their mission is to mobilize youth, families, and community members to prevent substance misuse and promote health in East Boston.
PPAL is grateful for collaborating with NeighborHealth and Eastie Coalition to promote mental health awareness and looks forward to continuing this important work in the community
PPAL’sJohanaand YouthMOVE Massachusetts’s AnnaCady!
PPALattheTêtCelebrationwithVòngTayChaMẹViệt
The Parent/Professional Advocacy League was delighted to participate in the Têt Celebration organized by Vòng Tay Cha Mẹ Việt (Circle of Vietnamese Parents) at Florian Hall in Dorchester. This fantastic event brought together families from the community to honor the Vietnamese Lunar New Year with cultural performances, delicious food, and engaging activities. A highlight was when Mayor Michelle Wu visited our table and expressed her supportformental healthadvocacy efforts
At the PPAL table, families learned about mental health res children, youth, and families. The event provided an excell with families, share information, and raise awareness about inculturally diversecommunities.
We were honored to be part of this meaningful celebration and look forward to continuing our outreach efforts to support families across Massachusetts.
About Vòng Tay Cha Mẹ Việt: Founded in 2017, VTCMV supports over 400 Vietnamese families in Massachusetts with children with disabilities, providing educational resources and community support.
Juvenile Justice Team Updates
PPAL’s Retreat Connects Parents And Caregivers Together To Help Heal And To Empower Each Other To Advocate For The Well Being And Success Of All Children.
PPAL’s Juvenile Justice team recently held our overnight retreat at the beautiful Earthdance, a retreat center in Plainfield MA. We had 20 parents and caregivers attend this year! As families involved with courts, police, school resource officers, child welfare or other systems, we understand the unique challenges you may be facing. Systems can be traumatic and painful. These retreats promote connectedness, relaxation, healing, and purpose for all parents and caregivers who attend.
The parents and caregivers who attended were able to really connect, be present, and turn pain into purpose. They learned resources and tools to navigate policies, network, and connect with other parents and caregivers. Our healing circle was a beautiful display of letting go as well as creating actionable things we can do going forward. We enjoyed great food, being in nature, and respite time with one another. We are excited to be holding another one soon!
For more information please contact Candice Gabrey, PPAL Program Manager Juvenile Justice, Cgabrey@ppal.net
Juvenile Justice Team Updates
Community Corkboard
THANK YOU for sponsoring PPAL’s 14 Annual Conference, th the LARGEST children’s mental health conference in New England! Learn more about the MA Department of Mental Health here
Thank You to our Conference Sponsor:
Thank You to our Conference Sponsor:
PPAL IS HIRING!
Program Manager – Central MA Area
Have you traveled or are you traveling the mental health journey with your child or young adult? Do you feel passionate about helping similar families and advocating for better systems and services? Do you lead with compassion? If so, then this job may be for you!
The responsibilities of the Program Manager for the Central MA DMH Area are varied, challenging, and require positivity and creativity, in a fast-paced, often changing environment.
The Program Manager must have experience raising a child, youth, or young adult with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs
Click here to learn more!
February 2025 February 2025
“Action is responsible for all reality. Without action, nothing changes.”
- Glody Kikonga
