Three-Pronged Approach and Steps In the Academy Process

Getting involved in the Policy Academies on Developing Systems of Care: Transforming Mental Health Care For Children and Families Through Planning, Policy and Practice is very straightforward. It requires gaining a strong commitment within your state, or jurisdiction to design and implement a major public policy that works to transform services for children with mental health needs and their families. Next, it requires forming a team of key policy makers and key partners, including family members within family organizations, committed to designing and implementing the public policy initiative to carry out the policy as part of a transformation agenda. Finally, it requires filling out questions for a Policy Academy Application (Letter of Application) that includes a Letter of Support from the governor or highest official. Then your state, federally recognized tribe, or jurisdiction becomes eligible for selection to a Policy Academy, if one is held that year. If selected to participate, your policy delegation will work together to refine the public policy initiative, participate in the Policy Academy meeting, and be provided support for follow through with specific action steps to implement the policy initiative. All selected policy delegations receive support throughout this process from the Georgetown University National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health.

Step One:	Talk to key people in the state or jurisdiction about making a commitment to working on a major policy initiative
Step Two:	Form a team of policy makers, advocates, and family representatives who will be responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining the work
Step Three:	Work together as a team to respond to application questions and mail in the Letter of Application for review process by due date
Step Four:	Prepare for the Policy Academy by selected states and jurisdictions. This usually requires several pre-meetings together with the delegates and broader stakeholders to refine objectives for the policy initiative
Step Five:	Participate in the various aspects of the Policy Academy, including plenary, seminar, and delegation sessions
Step Six:	After the Academy, identify on-going technical assistance support needed and problem-solve possible resources for that support