22q11.2 Related Disorders

The mission of ACPA’s 22q11.2 Related Disorders SIG is to optimize interdisciplinary care and quality of life of individuals with 22q11.2 related disorders by enhancing networking and educational opportunities for clinicians, researchers and other ACPA members interested in 22q11.2 related disorders.

The SIG’s goal is to promote collaboration of clinical care and research across the US and abroad through networking and education.

2026 Objectives

  1. Offer two virtual SIG forums, to include a webinar, discussion, or journal club
  2. Hold an in-person SIG forum during ACPA’s Annual Meeting
  3. Submit an abstract for ACPA’s Annual Meeting in 2027 for a 22q related session.
  4. Engage the online community with at least one quarterly post with any announcements, research updates, or an interesting case or question open for general discussion.
  5. Participate in the 22q11.2 Conference in July 2026
  6. Collaborate and contribute original research to 22q11.2 Conference in July 2028

Advanced Practice Providers (APP)

The APP SIG is a multidisciplinary group focused on education, collaboration, and professional development related to the role of Advanced Practice Providers in cleft and craniofacial care, welcoming all ACPA members interested in advancing team-based practice. The SIG’s goals are:

  • Promote interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration around the role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) within cleft and craniofacial care
  • Provide educational resources and mentorship opportunities for APPs and interdisciplinary team members
  • Advocate for the thoughtful integration of APPs across clinical, research, education, and leadership roles within multidisciplinary teams
  • Share best practices and innovative care models involving APPs across institutions and regions
  • Foster networking, professional development, and collaborative, multi-site initiatives across disciplines

Care Coordination

The mission of ACPA’s Care Coordination SIG is to facilitate the highest level of knowledge, professional practice, research, and collaboration in the care of individuals with acquired or congenital cleft or craniofacial anomalies.

The SIG’s goals are to serve as an advocate for care coordination within ACPA; to provide opportunities for professional growth through exchange of ideas, networking, and team care experiences; and to educate ACPA members with interest in Team Coordination, as well as current and evolving state of cleft and craniofacial care and multidisciplinary care coordination.

2026 Objectives

  1. Conduct three Care Coordination SIG discussion forums (two virtual, one in person at the Annual Meeting).
  2. Submit at least three abstracts for ACPA’s 2027 Annual Meeting.
  3. Continue the facilitation of an active Care Coordination SIG Online Community, with at least two posts per month.
  4. Update Toolkit with additional resources.

Feeding Nutrition and Growth

The mission of the Feeding Nutrition and Growth (FNG) SIG is to optimize the feeding and nutritional care of children with cleft and craniofacial differences by uniting and engaging the various stakeholders (e.g., physicians, feeding specialists, dietitians, nurses, researchers, advanced practice providers) who specialize or are interested in this type of care.

The SIG’s goal is to support the optimal growth of children with cleft and craniofacial differences through the provision of appropriate feeding and nutrition practices to ensure best care and positive outcomes, while supporting quality of life for both the children and their caregivers.

2026 Objectives

  1. Conduct three SIG discussion forums (two virtual and one in person at the 2026 Annual Meeting)
  2. Support an active FNG SIG on the ACPA Online Community to promote networking through monthly posts
  3. Share at least one FNG-related publication from the CPCJ via the ACPA Online Community to promote awareness
  4. Continue to add additional resources to the ACPA FNG SIG Online Community page and increase use of this for FNG SIG members
  5. Submit at least one FNG-related abstract for consideration at ACPA’s 2027 annual meeting

Global Care

The mission of the Global Care Special Interest Group of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association is to optimize the care for individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions globally by enhancing educational and networking opportunities for international members and providing assistance in volunteer global cleft/craniofacial care.

The SIG’s goals are to improve sustainability, mentoring, and quality of international cleft work; and grow ACPA’s international membership through increased international member value.

2026 Objectives

  1. Strengthen and Expand Bi-Directional Global Partnerships between ACPA cleft teams and cleft teams across various LMICs. Report on successes, failures, and opportunities for growth.
  2. Build upon 2026 Pre-Con momentum to maintain emphasis on global cleft care at future ACPA meetings. SIG will work with membership to propose 2-3 Global Care Panels for ACPA’s 2027 Annual Meeting.
  3. Virtually host a SIG webinar and two SIG member meetings.

Mental Health/Psychosocial

The mission of the Mental Health/Psychosocial Special Interest Group of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association is to optimize the coordination of care for individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions by enhancing educational and networking opportunities for psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other ACPA members interested in mental health and psychosocial care.

The SIG’s goals are to provide opportunities for professional growth through network and discussion; and to serve as an advocate for mental health care within ACPA.

2026 Objectives

  1.  Hold 2 virtual and 1 in person SIG forums.
  2. Enhance community bonding both within the Mental Health SIG as well as with external entities who are involved with the ACPA and provide patient-based support (e.g., myFace, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Face Equality International, etc.), with the goal of building awareness, connections, and collaboration to strengthen patient-centered care.
  3. Establish mentoring program for new cleft psychosocial professionals; linking new professionals with experienced professionals within the SIG.

Research Development

The mission of the Research Development SIG is to support ACPA’s basic, clinical, and translational scientists by elevating research-related collaboration and facilitating career development opportunities.

The SIG’s goals are to support ACPA’s scientists across all areas of craniofacial research by (1) providing avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration and enhanced networking and (2) promoting career development and mentorship opportunities for early career scientists.

2026 Objectives

  1. Hold an SIG discussion and networking forum at the ACPA’s Annual Meeting along with 2 virtual events.
  2. Solicit papers for the 2026 Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal Spotlight on Early-Career Researchers of the ACPA
  3. Submit an abstract to the ACPA’s 2027 Annual Meeting
  4. Initiate a mentor database for SIG members
    a) Use hashtags within ACPA Membership profiles to identify areas of research that can be searched by early career researchers
    b) Identify and track early career and mid/senior researchers who would like to work together to enhance manuscript reviewing skills