In June 2022, the American Academy of Nursing (Academy) hosted a policy dialogue on “Finding Gain in the Losses: Strategic Solutions to the Mental and Behavioral Health Crisis in Children and Youth.” The Academy’s Child, Adolescent, and Family Expert Panel, in collaboration with the Expert Panels on Psychiatric, Mental Health, and Substance Use as well as Trauma and Violence, convened this dialogue to discuss policy issues associated with the national crisis of chronic stress for children, youth, and families. Recent reports have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental and behavioral health of U.S. children and adolescents and increased awareness of societal inequities in this public health crisis. This policy dialogue provided participants the opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in trauma-informed care, resiliency, and school mental health as well as community-led initiatives. Participants were able to explore the critically important policy implications related to these issues and how the profession can advance them. 

• The Impact of Toxic Stress and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Youth Must be Addressed
  The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among children and youth. The impacts of this stress and disruption will be felt for years to come.
• Trauma-Informed Care Must Inform Policies and Practices for Children and Families
  Integrating trauma-informed care principles into policies and practice can help promote healing and wellness for children and families.
• Mental Health Care Provision Must be Culturally-Sensitive with Attention to Health Equity and Social Justice
  Cultural and individual beliefs on mental health and seeking care must be considered when planning for care design in order to promote health equity and access.
• Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems Must be Implemented
  Multi-tiered systems of support for youth can help them manage stress and access needed resources.
• Nurse Home Visiting Programs Must be Implemented for the Well-being of Children and Families
  Nurse home visiting programs can connect parents and young children with the care and resources they need to build the foundation for healthy lives.
• Children and Families Must Have Access to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Mental Health in Primary Care
  Removing barriers to practice for psychiatric nurse practitioners and integrating mental health as a component of holistic health can empower children and families to receive the care they need.

Guest Panelists

• Bridgette (Brawner) Rice, PhD, MDiv, APRN, FAAN, Richard and Marianne Kreider Endowed Professor in Nursing for Vulnerable Populations, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Jill Bohnenkamp, PhD, Core Faculty & Clinical Assistant Professor, National Center for School Mental Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Virginia School of Nursing
• Annie Lewis O'Connor, PhD, MSN, MPH, NP-BC, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN, FAAN, Founder & Director, C.A.R.E. Clinic, Brigham and Women's Hospital
  
• Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD, President, American Academy of Pediatrics
  

Planning Committee

• Karen Duderstadt, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, Co-Chair, Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Nursing
• Kathleen Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NP, FAAN, Co-Chair, Professor, Department of Community, Mental Health and Systems, Rush College of Nursing
• Cara Young, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN, Moderator, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing
• Nancy Browne, MS, PPCNP-BC, CBN, FAANP, FAAN, 
• Dorothy Jordan, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, Associate Clinical Professor, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
• Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Virginia School of Nursing
• Annie Lewis O'Connor, PhD, MSN, MPH, NP-BC, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN, FAAN, Founder & Director, C.A.R.E. Clinic, Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Julia Snethen, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor and PhD Program DirectorUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing