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Last year, the National Federation of Families took an important step to advance social justice for families: launching the first national Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week.  

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As an organization focused on families with children who experience mental health and/or substance use across the lifespan, we believe acceptance more directly combats discrimination, prejudice, and subconscious bias. Awareness isn’t enough – but Acceptance demands we advocate and act to change attitudes, behaviors, and systems. Acceptance is social justice. 

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That’s why our 2023 campaign theme for this year is “Accept. Advocate. Act.” We want our children across the lifespan accepted – and that means systemic change in how children’s mental health is viewed.  

This year, Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week returns for the second year May 7th – 13th, 2023. Join us to Accept, Advocate, and Act for children’s mental health. 

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In December of 2021, the Surgeon General issued an advisory highlighting the urgent need to address our nation's youth mental health crisis further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The advisory stresses the urgency of our new campaign message - that it's time to move beyond awareness and into acceptance - for multiple reasons.

 

1. To accept that 1 in 5 youth experiences a mental health challenge

2. To accept that mental health challenges must be met with understanding and support

3. To accept that prejudice and discrimination toward individuals who experience mental health challenges creates a barrier to seeking treatment - and it must be eliminated

4. To accept that our youth are facing serious challenges ahead that need to be addressed

5. To accept that the future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation

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Check out the latest infographics to learn more and explore our campaign resources below to find social media tools, educational materials for children and youth, activities for youth and families, green ribbons and other items you can order for your community and much more!