A one-day regional conference that brings together administrators, providers and parents working/living with parental mental illness to address critical issues and best practices in the field of parental mental health. Interactive panel discussion featuring panelists from both the parent and child world, with stimulating workshops and presentations that shed light on policy and programming, make this conference a must attend.

Winds of Change 2008

April 11 2008, Best Western Royal Plaza, Marlboro, MA

Employment Options' First Conference, Winds of Change focusing on System Change and Services for parents recovering from mental illness and their children was attended by nearly 100 local and international participants, including parents, policy makers, providers, administrators and researchers. Keynote speaker Dr. Robert Lees, set the tone for the day, with a introspective keynote address that encouraged all participants to recognize the need for services for families affected by parental mental illness. This was followed by an interactive panel discussion facilitated by Dr Joanne Nicholson of UMass Medical. Panelists included, Joan Mikula and Jack Rowe from the Department of Mental Health, Melodie Peet from the Department of Social Services, Lisa Lambert of Parent/Professional Advocacy League, parent Evelyn Mateo and Dr Robert Lees.

The afternoon workshops featured national and international programs/speakers focusing on various areas of supports for parental mental health, including, legal supports, training and consultation, theory vs practice, and community views and discussions. This one-day conference focused on various needs/programs servicing both the adult and the child.

The day ended with a networking session that encouraged participation in an advocacy group to address the issues raised through the day.

Winds of Change 2008 was made possible by generous funding from The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts.