Special Interest Group

Our organisation has previously undertaken initiatives to establish special interest groups within IACAPAP; however, these endeavours have proven to be short-lived and unsustainable. Currently, we are revisiting the establishment of standing special interest groups as a peer-to-peer educational and capacity-building mechanism, with the objective of fostering more enduring and impactful groups, preferably led by dedicated members.  

Special interest groups in child and adolescent psychiatry focus on specific areas within child and adolescent psychiatry, allowing professionals to delve deeper into research, treatment, and advocacy for these unique populations and concerns.  

Special interest groups in child and adolescent psychiatry play a crucial role in the following: 

1. Advancing research and knowledge in specific areas  
2. Developing and disseminating best practices and guidelines  
3. Providing education and training for professionals  
4. Advocating for policies and programs supporting children's mental health  
5. Facilitating networking and collaboration among experts  
6. Promoting awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues  
7. Informing healthcare policy and decision-making  
8. Supporting clinical practice and quality improvement  
9. Fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing  
10. Enhancing patient care and outcomes through specialised expertise  
     

As an association dedicated to child and adolescent psychiatry, our specialized interest groups are capable of fostering innovation and advancement in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Furthermore, these groups can enhance access to specialized care and services while addressing the distinct challenges and needs present within the discipline.  

Should these Special Interest Groups (SIGs) be established and fortified, they will be positioned to collaborate closely with professional organizations, academic institutions, and government entities in pursuit of their objectives. Furthermore, these SIGs offer a platform for professionals to exchange knowledge, engage in collaboration, and further the advancement of the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. 

Please find the list of special interest groups below:

1. International Pediatric Psychopharmacology (IPP)
2. Coercive Control (including child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence)

An outline of the process for setting up a SIG has been created as guide for individuals/ groups willing to set up a SIG. Please click here to view the guidelines. 

Please note that interest groups may evolve over time, and new ones may emerge as the field advances. We encourage members to be on the watch for the call for submissions of proposals for SIGs in the next few weeks.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@iacapap.org.