Community Board

Community Board Mission Statement

Our Community Board brings together local community members and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Developmental Science to work side by side in improving the emotional and behavioral health of children, teens, and families. We aim to build trust, share knowledge, and reduce mental health disparities by making sure research, clinical services, and training truly reflect the voices and experiences of our communities—both in New York City and beyond. 

Guiding Principles 

  • Working in Partnership: We believe in a true two-way partnership where community members, researchers, clinicians, and trainees learn from one another and make decisions together. 
  • Community at the Center: Community members help shape and build every part of our work—from the questions we ask in research to the ways we design and deliver care and training. 
  • Sharing Knowledge: We value open communication and regular sharing of information so that both the community and the Division can learn, grow, and improve together. 
  • Improving Access and Equity: We work to make behavioral health information, care, and programs easier to access and more responsive to the unique needs and cultures of our communities.

The Role of a CAB Member 

We are seeking approximately 18–20 CAB members who reflect the diversity of the children, teens, and families in our communities, including: educators, school and childcare staff, community-based organization leaders, youth-serving program staff, health and mental health providers, caregivers, business leaders, and child/family advocates. 

CAB members will be compensated for their time and expertise, in recognition of the critical role community partners play in guiding this work.

Commit to a 2-year term and attend four meetings per year (one in-person and three virtual).

 CAB members will be asked to: 

  • Offer strategic feedback on Division research proposals and clinical programs to help guide priorities and impact. 
  • Share practical perspectives on where mental health services and research miss community priorities and where there is room to grow. 
  • Identify and help shape innovative opportunities for community partnerships, community-based research, and collaborative initiatives. 
  • Highlight key opportunities for education and training that can strengthen both community and academic efforts. 
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