New York’s mental health system for kids is in crisis
Across New York State, too many families find it impossible to get the behavioral health (mental health and substance use) services their children desperately need. The consequences can be devastating: Children get sicker; schools are overburdened; families are stressed and sometimes broken.
Meanwhile, taxpayers bear the cost when untreated problems turn into emergencies. Because they cannot get the care they need when they need it, children end up in emergency rooms, hospitals, the juvenile justice system, and foster care. Families and communities suffer further when unaddressed problems in childhood develop into adult mental illness.
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN TO GUARANTEE CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES THEY NEED.
The current behavioral health system for children is under-resourced and unable to respond to the mental health crisis facing New York’s children and youth. We believe New York can fulfill its obligation to New York children and families by ensuring:
Access to services
The state must invest in a continuum of care, adequately funding services so that young people can find the care they need, when and where they need it.
Accountability
Health plans must be held accountable so that children receive the care they are entitled to by state and federal parity laws.
Innovation
New York has exceptional models for prevention, treatment, and clinical care. These models must be brought to scale so they can reach the children who need them.
Contact the Campaign for Healthy Minds Healthy Kids
Get in touch with Campaign for Healthy Minds Healthy Kids to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
