Resource Library

For Parents & Caregivers

Connect4Families Toolkit

Simplifying access to behavioral health services and facilitating collaboration among families, providers, and schools The Connect4Families toolkit was developed in 2023 to help families, providers, and schools better collaborate and connect children to…

For Providers

Stop It Now: Child Sexual Abuse

Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Offers trainings and informational resources about child sexual abuse prevention, identification, and treatment.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Psychosis in Teens

Psychosis is a condition in which a person loses touch with reality. If a teen has psychosis, they might hear or see things that aren’t there.

Links - CT Organizations

Children’s Urgent Crisis Centers in Connecticut

CT now has 4 Urgent Crisis Centers (Hartford, New Haven, New London, and Waterbury) for children experiencing mental or behavioral health crises but do not require emergency department care. Learn more on the DCF website.

Facts, Figures, and Research

KIDS COUNT Data Center

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® is a premier source of data on children, youth and families in the United States. Search their comprehensive database of statistics and indicators…

For Parents & Caregivers

Understood

A nonprofit organization that develops resources for parents, children, and youth with learning, thinking, and attention differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing challenges, autism, and more.

Links - National Organizations

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital educates parents and caregivers about the behavioral health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults with behavioral, emotional,…

For Parents & Caregivers

National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

This national center at Rutgers University maintains excellent online resource libraries in English and Spanish for children with incarcerated parents.

For Parents & Caregivers

OCD Connecticut

Nonprofit organization serving adults, children, and families in Connecticut living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by promoting early intervention and expanding awareness, treatment and research. Resources, support groups, and more.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Effectiveness of Healthy Relationship Education Programs for Youth

Romantic relationships in adolescence can shape experiences during and after that time period. Marriage and relationship education programs can help adolescents develop the knowledge and skills to form healthy relationships…

For Providers

Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC)

MATCH-ADTC (Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems) is an evidence-based treatment designed for children ages 6 – 15. Unlike most treatment approaches that…

For Parents & Caregivers

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

NEDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Find information, screening tools, treatment referrals, support groups, and advocacy…

For Parents & Caregivers

State of CT Court Support Services Division (CSSD)

The CT Court Support Services Division (CSSD) oversees pretrial services, family services, divorce and domestic violence, probation supervision of adults and juveniles as well as juvenile residential centers including Juvenile…

Links - National Organizations

Child Trends, Inc.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies children, youth, and families through research, data collection, and analysis. Topics include behavioral health, demographics, schools, early childhood, poverty, equity issues, and more.

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS)

DMHAS administers mental/behavioral health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and programs statewide. Find treatment providers, educational resources, and more on their website.

Links - National Organizations

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)

National nonprofit advocating for policies that will help all children reach their potential, on areas including child welfare, poverty, health, education, youth justice, gun violence, and racial justice. Find reports…

Links - National Organizations

Children’s Bureau (Administration for Children & Families)

The Children's Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services), focuses on improving the lives of children and families through programs that reduce child abuse and neglect, increase the number of adoptions, and strengthen foster care. Find training, research and more.

For Parents & Caregivers

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a nonprofit offering support and empowering services and resources for people living with depression and bipolar disorder. Find online resources, trainings, and a network of support groups nationwide. Offers training and resources for providers.

For Providers

Functional Family Therapy

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based intervention for youth and families. This high-quality, strength-focused family counseling model is designed primarily for at-risk youth who have been referred by the juvenile justice, mental/behavioral health, school, or child welfare systems.

For Parents & Caregivers

KidsHealth.org

Comprehensive resource site developed by Nemours Children’s Health for parents, youth, and educators on all things related to kids’ physical and behavioral health. Click the button below to visit KidsHealth.org.

For Parents & Caregivers

Tourette Association of America

The Tourette Association of America (formerly known as the Tourette Syndrome Association) is a national nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients…

For Parents & Caregivers

TurningPointCT.org

TurningPointCT.org was developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. Their mission is to empower teens and young adults in their search for emotional and mental health, help them understand their options, and learn how to navigate the behavioral health system in CT.

For Schools

StopBullying.gov

StopBullying.gov provides information on how kids, teens, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying, and links to help and support resources.

Facts, Figures, and Research

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is a large clearinghouse of information about health in America. As the nation’s principal…

For Providers

Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

Adapted from MST Services: Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based treatment for youth with serious behavioral problems, particularly juvenile justice involvement and/or substance use. Research demonstrates that MST reduces criminal…

For Parents & Caregivers

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Advocates for the civil rights, full inclusion, and equality of children and adults with mental health challenges. Learn about your legal rights, advocacy opportunities, find resources and publications, and more.

Links - National Organizations

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Organization for child & adolescent psychiatrists and other behavioral health providers. Find resources and research to aid in understanding and treating children's developmental, behavioral, & mental health conditions.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Data on Children in Poverty

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) collects and analyzes data and publishes a range of reports and tools on child poverty, early childhood mental health, and related issues.…

Facts, Figures, and Research

America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being (2022)

The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics (Forum) fosters collaboration among 23 Federal agencies that produce and use statistics on children and families. The Forum annually updates all…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Children Without Health Insurance in Connecticut

Nationwide, 4.1% of children under age 18 in the U.S. do not have health insurance coverage. In Connecticut, 3.5% of children (approximately 26,000) did not have health insurance coverage as…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Schizophrenia

Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness that causes changes in thinking, feelings, and unusual or strange behavior. It is…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Panic Disorder

Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): Children and adolescents with panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, have unexpected and repeated periods of intense fear…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is seen in as many as 1 in 200 children and adolescents. OCD is characterized by recurrent…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): Oppositional behavior is a normal part of development for young children and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)

Adapted from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry with additional facts from Cleveland Clinic: It is common for children and adolescents to play with their hair. However, frequent…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Eating Disorders in Teens

From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): In the United States, as many as 1 in 10 young women have an eating disorder. Disordered eating related to…

For Schools

Connecticut School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI)

CT SBDI is a statewide program that reduces the rate of in-school arrests, expulsions, and out-of-school suspensions by training schools on behavioral health topics and alternative discipline practices and connecting more students to behavioral health services.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Conduct Disorder

From from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: “Conduct disorder” refers to a group of repetitive and persistent behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Facts for Families on Bipolar Disorder Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depressive illness) is an illness of the brain…

Links - National Organizations

National Institute of Mental Health

A division of the National Institutes of Health, NIMH provides research, data, and information on behavioral/mental health disorders and treatment, grants for research and program providers, and other resources.

Links - National Organizations

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) at NIH

The mission of NICHD at National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents,…

For Parents & Caregivers

HelpGuide.org

An independent, nonprofit, comprehensive website full of resources about mental/behavioral health, well-being, relationships and more, for children and adults.

Facts, Figures, and Research

National Survey of Children’s Health Data

The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), supports national efforts…

Links - National Organizations

Child Advocate

Nonprofit serving the needs of children, families and professionals in addressing mental health, medical, educational, legal and legislative issues.

Links - National Organizations

American Psychological Association

A scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. Offers publications, research, training and resources for mental health clinicians and the general public.

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Juvenile Justice System Overview (OPM)

The Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has a comprehensive webpage that provides an overview of the state's juvenile justice system. Learn about common terms, regulations, facts and figures, racial disparities, and more.

For Schools

Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems

Approaching student mental health with a comprehensive, trauma-informed lens that integrates health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and more intensive treatments leads to better outcomes for schools, students, and communities.

For Parents & Caregivers

Facts About Bullying (AACAP Resource Center)

Adapted from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Bullying Resource Center Page Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can present in the form of threats, physical assault,…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Bedwetting or Enuresis

Facts for Families on Bedwetting or Enuresis Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) HealthyChildren.org: Although most children are toilet trained between 2 and 4 years of age, some…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in employment, accessing public services such as education and transportation, and accessing public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, and hotels.…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents

An overview of the potential causes of violent behavior in children and youth and how parents and caregivers can find help and treatment.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Self-Injury In Adolescents

Self-injury is the act of deliberately harming body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling.

For Providers

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD and her team at the University of Washington. It has two key components: a behavioral, problem-solving focus…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Social Determinants of Children’s Mental Health

Learn more about the social determinants of children's behavioral/mental health, defined by the WHO as "Nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes... the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life."

For Providers

Search Institute

Search Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting positive youth development. They provide tools and resources to schools, youth programs, family-serving organizations, foster care programs, and other child-serving organizations and practitioners to build and strengthen developmental relationships.

For Providers

Strengthening Families Program (SFP)

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based family skills training program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and substance use in children and to improve social competencies and…

For Parents & Caregivers

Birth to Three – Connecticut

A Connecticut state program that supports families when they have concerns about their infant and/or young child’s development. Children under age 3 who live in Connecticut and have a developmental…

For Parents & Caregivers

Child Development Infoline – Connecticut

Child Development Infoline (CDI) is a free, confidential service of United Way of Connecticut. Care Coordinators are available to answer questions about infant and child development Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm.…

For Parents & Caregivers

American Academy of Pediatrics

Organization dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Resources and research for clinicians and parents.

For Providers

U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Find treatment referrals, clinician…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate monitors and evaluates public and private agencies that are charged with the protection of children, and reviews state agency policies and procedures to ensure…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)

CPAC provides free training, support and empowerment for parents and professionals who have questions about the education of their children and students with disabilities, birth to age 26. Staffed by…

For Parents & Caregivers

Center for Children’s Advocacy

The Center for Children’s Advocacy is a nonprofit law firm which fights for the legal rights of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children in such areas as education, juvenile justice, health, housing,…

For Parents & Caregivers

CT Parenting

CTparenting.com is a central hub of useful parenting information from the CT Department of Children and Families. 

For Parents & Caregivers

Essentials of Parenting (CDC)

A free, online resource from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) that addresses common parenting challenges and skills. Modules for parents/caregivers of toddlers/preschoolers and parents of teens.

For Parents & Caregivers

FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA)

FindTreatment.gov is a comprehensive online directory of substance use and mental health treatment providers and facilities across the U.S. Maintained by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services' Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For Parents & Caregivers

211

2-1-1 is a free helpline for information about community services, referrals to human services, and mobile behavioral health crisis intervention. Call 24/7/365 from anywhere in CT. Multilingual & TDD access.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a helpful fact sheet for parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults on how to know…

Facts, Figures, and Research

National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP)

The National Center for Children in Poverty at the Bank Street Graduate School of Education is the national leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (BHP)

Find information on accessing and providing HUSKY behavioral health and support services – for providers and families.  Partnership between CT DCF, DSS, and DMHAS; administered by Carelon Behavioral Health.

Links - National Organizations

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Resources & training for clinicians, service providers, educators, and parents/caregivers.

For Providers

Effective Child Therapy Overview

The Effective Child Therapy site was developed by the Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology as a clearinghouse of information for providers and families about effective, evidence-based treatments and…

For Parents & Caregivers

Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics for Children in Connecticut

Connecting to Care CT maintains regional lists of Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics for Children (OPCCs) and other community-based children's behavioral health services in Connecticut.

Links - National Organizations

Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress (CPTS) at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia addresses medical trauma in the lives of children and families. Their “After the Injury” site “helps parents…

For Parents & Caregivers

Child First

Child First, developed in CT but now a national model, is an innovative evidence-based model which effectively decreases emotional and behavioral problems, developmental and learning problems, and abuse and neglect…

Facts, Figures, and Research

Intermittant Explosive Disorder

Adapted from the Child Mind Institute: Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health disorder that can affect children, teenagers, and adults. Children and youth who have IED experience short…