4 Lessons Learned from the Annual Children's Mental Health Research & Policy Conference

As reported last week, Reclaiming Futures staff and I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Children’s Mental Health Research & Policy Conference at the University of South Florida. See below for our top takeaways from the presentations.
1. Prevention and Treatment Saves Money
Dr. Michael Dennis of Chestnut Health Systems explained during his presentation, “Like any other chronic disease, [substance use disorder] is all about prevention and treatment.” He continued, “We have the opportunity to do the right thing and save money! Ten percent of the population effects 74 percent of the costs. We need good case management.”
2. Research and Evaluation are Key
Another highlight that emerged from the conference was the increasing emphasis on research and evaluation. Programs today need hard data in order to demonstrate effectiveness and develop future plans.
3. Treatment Provider Relationships Build Success
Approximately thirty percent of a young person’s success is due to their relationship with a treatment provider, no matter what evidence based treatment model is used. 
4. It’s all Connected
Speakers emphasized that substance abuse, mental health, and juvenile justice are inextricably interconnected. This is why our model works to ensure that teens get the treatment they need.

Susan Richardson is national executive director for Reclaiming Futures. Formerly, she was a senior program officer in the health care division of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust in North Carolina, where she led a three-year effort involving the state's juvenile justice and treatment leaders to adopt the Reclaiming Futures model by juvenile courts in six North Carolina counties. She received her B.S. in Public Health, Health Policy and Administration, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.