International Conference on

Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2024 (ICCAMH 2024)

“Strengthening Partnership for Collaborative Care in Child & Adolescent Mental health”

Introduction:

Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) is a critical yet often neglected aspect of public health worldwide. With the rising prevalence of mental health disorders among young people, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to address this issue. Also, the need to involve children and adolescents in decision-making processes related to their mental health is crucial.

An international conference on child and adolescent mental health aims to bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the globe to exchange knowledge, share best practices, stimulate dialogue and collaborate on strategies to improve mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health South Asia Network (CAMHSAN) was established to tackle the pressing need for improved child and adolescent mental health services in South Asia in 2023. CAMHSAN includes organizations and individuals who work in the field of CAMH from Nepal, Pakistan, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, child promotion/ protection specialists, and psychiatrists. CAMHSAN, with support of UNICEF ROSA, will be main sponsor and co-organizer for this conference along with other mental health partners from Nepal.

The envisioned conference marks the third in a series, building upon the success of previous events held in Nepal. The first International Conference on Child and Adolescent Mental Health was convened in 2018 in Kathmandu. Following the inaugural event, the second International Conference on Child and Adolescent Mental Health took place on 16-17 October 2022, focusing on the theme of “Child and Adolescent Mental Health Challenges in the COVID Pandemic Era”.

Objective:

The primary objective of the conference is to provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action to advance child and adolescent mental health in the region. Specific objectives include:

1. Sharing research findings, innovative participatory approaches, and successful interventions in child and adolescent mental health.
2. Fostering collaboration among professionals, organizations, self-help groups (SHGs)/parent association of the children with disabilities and governments to enhance mental health services for children and adolescents.
3. Addressing challenges and barriers to accessing mental health care for young
4. Advocating for policies that prioritize and involve child and adolescent on national and regional
5. Promoting awareness of child rights and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues among children and

Theme:

The theme for the conference is “Strengthening Partnership for Collaborative Care in Child & Adolescent Mental health”.

The conference will cover a wide range of topics or sub-themes related to child and adolescent mental health, including but not limited to:

1. Early detection and intervention strategies for mental health disorders in children and
2. Integration of child and adolescent mental health services into primary healthcare, protection and education
3. Approaches to trauma and adverse childhood
4. Promoting resilience and well-being among adolescents and young
5. Innovations in tackling stigma and discrimination towards mental health of adolescents and young
6. Innovative approaches in prevention, promotion and treatment of mental health conditions in adolescents and young
7. Role of families, schools, peer and communities in promoting mental health and well-being of adolescents and young people.
8. Technology facilitated and/or digitally delivered interventions in various dimensions of mental health of adolescents and young people.

Format:

The conference will consist of plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and poster presentations. Keynote speakers and panelists will include renowned experts and practitioners in the field of child and adolescent mental health from both the South Asia region and internationally. There will also be opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants.

Target Audience:

The conference is open to government officials, professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, advocates, SHG/ parent association representatives and other stakeholders working in the field of child and adolescent mental health. It aims to attract participants from across the region as well as international delegates who are interested in contributing to the advancement of mental health outcomes for young people.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Increased awareness and understanding of child and adolescent mental health issues and psychosocial disability of the children
2. Enhanced collaborative participation of children and adolescents that considers their individual needs and preferences
3. Enhanced collaboration and partnerships among
4. Development of strategies and action plans to improve mental health services for young
5. Dissemination of research findings and best
6. Advocacy for policy changes to prioritize child and adolescent mental

The international conference on child and adolescent mental health (ICCAMH) will serve as a catalyst for action and change in the SA region. By bringing the voices of children and adolescents to the forefront, the conference can generate momentum towards improving their mental health outcomes. Ultimately, this will help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Date:

1^st and 2^nd October, 2024.

Venue:

Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Website: www.camhsan.org/conference/