Posted: | December 6, 2022 09:17 AM |
---|---|
From: | Representative John T. Galloway |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Children's Mental Health Ombudsman |
Mental health disorders are becoming increasingly common among our youth. Approximately one in six children between ages six and 17 in the U.S. has a treatable mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Further, nearly half of children with mental health disorders did not receive counseling nor treatment. Research shows that children with mental health disorders face more frequent discipline and failure in school, which can lead to problems later in life. These issues can be mitigated, but only with early recognition and intervention. It is imperative that we expand access to mental health resources for children and take steps to identify systemic issues in access to treatment. It is for these reasons and more that I am introducing legislation to establish a statewide children’s mental health ombudsman. This ombudsman will have the authority to:
(Prior HB 404, unanimously moved from House Human Services Committee) |
Introduced as HB411