Kid's Programs

Ohio's Voice on Mental Illness

NAMI Ohio Children's Division

NAMI Ohio is responding to the plea of families to address mental health issues of children under the age of eighteen.NAMI Ohio would like to present "one voice" representing general guidelines for families, teachers, mental health professionals and juvenile court authorities in support, training and identification of children and adolescents with mental illness.

Children's Division Task Force

In order to organize a statewide effort to support families of children with mental illness, NAMI Ohio has formed a task force to help steer the Children's Division. Members were sought from all areas of the state to share their input and concerns of unmet needs. The steering committee will develop: consensus on the focus for the Children's Division; a resource base for all children-related programs in the state; and fact sheets for the most common questions and concerns related to children's issues. The committee will also monjitor and advocate for related legislative issues.

Hand to Hand

Hand to Hand is an nine-week education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among families of children with emotional/mental/ neurobiological disorders This course, developed by AMI of Greater Toledo, is funded by a grant from ODMH and is taught by professionals and family members who are part of NAMI. The course is similar to Family to Family in structure and goals, with each week of the curriculum dedicated to a particular aspect of having a child with a mental illness. Topics covered include: understanding your child's diagnosis; developing family coping skills; counseling and therapy; medications; special educational needs; and juvenile justice and child protection agencies.Guidance on locating appropriate support and services within the community and obtaining better mental health services as well as advocacy for appropriate federal and state policies are also included.