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Effective Oct. 1, Montana’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act is designed to provide important protection and safeguards for the elderly and others who grant powers of attorney. It also provides clarity for the financial institutions and others who rely on the POA. More importantly, the POA Act provides remedies and sanctions against those who would abuse that authority.

Parenting can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be very difficult at times. Children do not come with instructions and many people who become parents do so with little or no formal training. Many parents do not have the support of family members living in the area or may not have had appropriate parenting models growing up. All parents -- and their children -- deserve the support and guidance a Nuturing Parenting class offers. The Family Tree Center offers 4 different parenting classes (babies, toddlers, grade-schoolers, and adolescents) utilizing the evidence-based best practice Nuturing Parenting Curriculum. Classes meet two hours a week for fifteen weeks and cover topics such as: Empathy, Brain development, Child development, Discipline, Safety, Family morals and values, Family rules, Drug and alcohol abuse, Stress and anger management, Routines, and Problem solving. Highlights include: Free childcare and dinner for children Snacks for the parents Family interaction time during each class Activities for grade-school age children and older where they learn, at their level, the same information their parents are learning Classes are offered at no charge to all self-referred parents and for a nominal fee of $10 per class for parents who need a certificate Materials fee is $20 If you are interested in these classes: Contact Tonia at 406-252-9799 or email the Family Tree Center office at ftcoffice@qwestoffice.net.

Today State Representative Bill Wilson (D) of Great Falls sent a letter to the Montana Attorney General's Office, asking for a formal investigation into those disturbing allegations at North Middle School.

Do you know a consumer/peer leader who has been a leader in educating the public about   behavioral health (mental health and/or addiction issues)? If so, please help the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognize his/her accomplishments by nominating him/her for a 2011 Voice Award. This year, SAMHSA is putting special emphasis on the impact of trauma and the significant effects   it can have on individuals, families and friends, communities, and our Nation. Consideration is being given to consumer/peer leaders who have successfully advocated for the rights of trauma survivors and promoted the importance of trauma-informed care. Each year, the Voice Awards honor consumer/peer leaders whose exemplary leadership and  advocacy plays a vital role in raising both awareness and understanding of behavioral health problems. Specifically, these individuals have made outstanding contributions in all of the following areas:  Led efforts to promote the social inclusion of individuals with trauma histories and behavioral health problems;  Personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and Made a positive impact on their community, workplace, or school. To nominate an eligible consumer/peer leader(s), visit the Voice Awards Web site at www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov. ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011. Nominations are open to anyone and are free. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit. Self-nominations are welcome. The 2011 Voice Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 24 at Paramount Studios   in Hollywood, CA. Please consult the Voice Awards Web site for event updates and instructions on how to submit a nomination(s).

Click here to register for this event What: In the rush to develop collaborative care practices the use of health IT is a powerful, often overlooked, and crucial element. The University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care in northern Vermont have embarked on a project to develop Patient-Centered Medical Homes in each of our primary care practices. As part of that effort, there is a commitment that mental health substance abuse and health behavior services are central elements of the development. Dr. Kessler, a health psychologist, directs this effort. Dr. Burdick a family physician, is physician leader for outpatient implementation of the Fletcher Allen Helath Care Epic-based EHR, PRISM. Their collaboration has resulted in this project. The webinar will explore the backround and history, measure selection and process development, current status and future plans. When: Thursday, April 14th 2011, from 11:00am - 12:30pm Mountain

A top official at a state facility that caters to people with developmental disabilities and behavioral problems has stepped down following a letter by an advocacy group that contends the facility has a pattern of abuse, neglect and mismanagement. Montana Developmental Center Superintendent Kathy Zeeck on Friday asked to be reassigned following the letter by Helena-based Disability Rights Montana.

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety and substance abuse often start in adolescence, then peak in young adulthood. But for young people who don't have steady jobs or stable paychecks, getting help can be tough. A popular provision of the Affordable Care Act that took effect in 2010 aimed to make it easier for young adults to get access to health care, by allowing them to stay on their parents' insurance until they turn 26. So, are more young adults getting help with mental health issues because of the provision? Maybe, suggests a study published in the September issue of Health Affairs.