Purpose:
The Early Childhood Mental Health Subcommittee focused on the state infrastructure needed
to address the mental health needs of young children (ages 0-5) and their families in
Nebraska. Background:
Advances in infant and toddler mental health research and practice indicate that very
young neglected and abused children suffer significant disruptions to their emotional,
cognitive and physical development. Systems that support development of healthy children
promote positive mental health, prevent mental health problems in young children and their
families, and support intervention for children and families impacted by mental health
disorders. |
 Meeting
Minutes
November 7,
2005
September 16,
2005
August 5, 2005 |
| There is a growing recognition that
early childhood mental health is influenced by the physical characteristics of the child,
the quality of adult relationships in the child’s life, the care giving environment,
and the community context in which the child and family live. Nebraska has
a number of systems that interface with young children and their families. There is a need
to identify shared expertise and practices that support development of coordinated state
infrastructure to enhance community level interventions and programs. Interventions and
programs in early childhood mental health promote social, emotional, and behavioral
well-being of children, birth through age five, and their families.
Charge:
Developed strategies for early identification of children at risk for experiencing
social, emotional or behavioral problems, and services to address their needs.
Developed system strategies for screening, referral and treatment for perinatal
depression.
Timeline:
August – February 2006
Sponsoring
State Infrastruture Grant
Members:
| Committee
Members |
Affiliation
|
Location
|
State
Agency |
Carol Fichter |
Early Childhood Training Center |
Omaha |
Paula Eurek |
DHHS |
Lincoln |
Eleanor Shirley Kirkland |
Department of Education |
Lincoln |
Marcia Corr |
Department of EducationUNMC |
Lincoln |
Betty Medinger |
DHHS Children and Family Services |
Lincoln |
Linda Shandera |
DHHS Medicaid and Long Term Care |
Lincoln |
Chris Hanus |
DHHS Children and Family Services |
Lincoln |
Pam Mann |
Western Service Area |
North Platte |
Judy Gaiashkibos |
Commission on Indian Affairs |
Lincoln |
Cecelia Oliverez |
Mexican American Commission |
Lincoln |
Denny Behrens |
Office of Rural Health |
Lincoln |
Deanne Armstrong |
Drug Awareness Task Force |
Gordon |
Roger Wiese |
North Central Health District |
O'Neill |
LOC |
Tanya Rasher-Miller |
Central Nebraska System of Care |
Hastings |
Jodi Hall |
Region I Behavioral Health |
Scottsbluff |
| Helen Raikes |
UNL |
Lincoln |
| Jean Wojtkiewisz |
Region III Behavioral Health |
Kearney |
| CJ Johnson |
Region V Behavioral Health |
Lincoln |
| Other |
|
|
| Frank Peak |
Creighton University |
Omaha |
| Dianna Waggoner |
Kim Foundation |
Omaha |
| Donna De Forge |
Headstart |
Gering |
| Barb Johnson |
Monroe Meyer Institute |
Omaha |
| Mary Fran Flood |
UNL Psychology Deparment |
Lincoln |
| Andrea Skolkin |
One World Community Health Center |
Lincoln |
| Mary Jo Pankoke |
Nebraska Child and Family Foundation |
Lincoln |
Provider |
| Mary Barry-Magsamen |
Executive Director-St. Monicas |
Lincoln |
| Candy Shott |
Fred Leroy Health Center |
Omaha |
| Judith Hill |
Charles Dres/Healthy Start |
Omaha |
| Shiela Bierman |
Out-Patient Clinic Boys Town |
Omaha |
| Bill Swisher |
Pediatrician |
Lincoln |
| Gay McTate |
Provider |
Omaha |
| Shashi Bahtia |
Psychiatrist Creighton University |
Omaha |
Parent |
| Nina Baker |
Parent Training Institute |
Omaha |
| Kathy Dunning |
Healthy Families Project |
Lincoln |
| Glenda Davis |
Parent Training Institute |
Omaha |
| Cindy Scott |
NAMI-FORSE |
Hastings |
| Julie Erickson |
Families Inspiring Families |
Lincoln |
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