The purpose of NECCAP when formed in 1962 was to provide a mandate to foster and promote by all proper and legitimate agencies and means, study, research, clinical application of and education in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry and child and adolescent development; to publish and distribute articles, periodicals, pamphlets and books relative to any of the foregoing purposes. To provide a scientific forum for child psychiatrists; to serve as a focus for recruitment and supporting mechanism for practitioners; and to develop a group sensitive to and knowledgeable about the emotional needs of children and hence equipped to serve as an advocate for children in local and governmental activities.

Most programs will provide CME credits. Educational programs will address matters that are of interest and concern to the membership, including current issues around issues of risk management, medication management, various diagnoses, among other subjects. Members will also have an opportunity to hear from authors and other artists that are specific to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP). It should be noted that NECCAP is not and will not be a source of referrals for patients to other clinicians, nor make recommendations regarding referrals.

The objectives of NECCAP are to foster and promote the following:

•  Provide a scientific forum for child psychiatrists

•  Provide continuing medical education (CME) to its membership

•  Advocate for the mental health of children and adolescents both regionally and nationally.

•  Represent the needs of child and adolescent psychiatrists throughout Massachusetts and New

• Hampshire.

•  To provide a forum for discussion around issues that are pertinent to the field of child and

• adolescent psychiatry, including, but not limited to, current trends, medications and insurance

• reimbursement and access issues