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.

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.

2023 Objectives

  1. Conduct three Care Coordination SIG discussion forums (two virtual, one in person at the annual meeting in Raleigh, NC).
  2. Continue growing its mentorship program and match at least three new coordinators with mentors.
  3. Submit at least two abstracts for ACPA’s Annual Meeting in 2024.
  4. Continue the facilitation of an active Care Coordination SIG Online Community, with at least two posts per month
  5. Add resources for New Coordinator Tool Kit to folder in SIG Online Community by assigning a theme quarterly.

Ethics

The mission of the Ethics Special Interest Group of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association is to optimize ethical care of individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions by enhancing educational and networking opportunities for ACPA members interested in ethics.

The SIG’s goals are to serve as an advocate for the ethical care of individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions; and to foster discussion and provide education on ethical issues that arise in caring for individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions.

2023 Objectives

  1. Conduct three Ethics SIG discussion forums (two virtual, one in person at the annual meeting in Raleigh, NC).
  2. Submit at least two abstracts for ACPA’s Annual Meeting in 2024.
  3. Increase the Ethics SIG Online Community, with at least one post per month.

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.

2023 Objectives

  1. Conduct three FNG SIG discussion forums (two virtual and one in person at the 2023 annual meeting)
  2. Build and support an active FNG SIG on the ACPA Online Community to promote networking through monthly posts
  3. Submit at least one FNG-related abstract for consideration at the 2024 ACPA annual meeting
  4. Establish the goals for the community members to be then incorporated into future FNG SIG objective

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.

2023 Objectives

  1. Hold 2 virtual SIG Discussion Forums.
  2. Hold 1 live SIG Discussion Forum at ACPA Annual Meeting
  3. Submit abstracts for ACPA’s Annual Meeting in 2024.
  4. Disseminate Americleft psychosocial protocol as a recommended approach to standardized screening recommendations to teams.
  5. Publish Newsletter updating community on current work

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.

2023 Objectives

  1. Hold 2 virtual SIG Discussion Forums.
  2. Hold 1 live SIG Discussion Forum at ACPA Annual Meeting
  3. Submit abstracts for ACPA’s Annual Meeting in 2024.
  4. Disseminate Americleft psychosocial protocol as a recommended approach to standardized screening recommendations to teams.
  5. Publish Newsletter updating community on current work