Speaker to address difficult behaviors in children

NEWTON — Child and adolescent psychiatrist, Debra E. Koss, of Sparta will present Managing Difficult Behaviors in Children – What parents and teachers can learn about the most effective ways to manage (and minimize) problematic behavior on Wednesday, May 9 from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Student Center Theater at Sussex County Community College. This lecture is one of approximately 500 Speak Up for Kids! events that will be taking place nationwide during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 6 to 12. Local sponsors, Sussex County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Morris/Sussex office of Family Support Organization have collaborated with Dr. Koss to bring Speak Up For Kids! to Sussex County. A project of the Child Mind Institute (CMI) and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), Speak Up for Kids! is designed to help educate the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders so that children who are affected get the help they need. “Being able to recognize mental illness in children is an important first step in getting help,” said Dr. Koss, who, in addition to her private practice in Sparta, is the past president of the New Jersey Council of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. “Early identification and intervention have a tremendous impact on treatment and positive outcomes,” Dr. Koss added. “We are proud to join together with Dr. Koss and NAMI to bring Speak Up For Kids! to Sussex County,” said Patty Tomaszewski, program director of the Morris/Sussex office of Family Support Organization, “Bringing awareness and providing education about childhood and adolescent mental illnesses helps to remove the stigma often associated with it and makes it easier for families to get the help they need.” In addition to the lecture, local agencies will be available to provide literature and information about services they offer for families struggling with childhood or adolescent mental illness. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Koss share her expertise,” said Kathleen Fitzsimmons, president of the Sussex County affiliate of NAMI, “Speak Up For Kids! is also a great chance to connect parents and educators to helpful resources in our community.” For additional information and to register for Speak Up For Kids! event in Sussex County, contact Family Support Organization at 973-940-3194.