The Children's Mental Health Campaign continues to speak out!

Help Protect Children's Mental Health in the Senate Budget
Last week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2010. Unfortunately, there are significant cuts to programs that provide vital services to children with mental health needs. While we recognize the difficult economic and financial situation the state is faced with, it is important that we preserve the gains we have made for children with mental health needs. In particular, the Children's Mental Health Campaign is concerned with three specific line items:
- Behavioral Health Consultation for the Department of Early Education (3000-6075): line item eliminated.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (line item 5042-5000): funding reduced by $3.4 million.
- Children's Behavioral Health Initative / Rosie D. (4000-0950): underfunded by $25 million.
You can help!Please call (and ask your networks to call) your State Senator to ask him or her to:
Please support Senator Jen Flanagan's amendment to restore the line item and $1 million in funding for Behavioral Health Consultations to DEEC (amendment EHS 617). These consultative services have been instrumental in reducing the number of suspensions and expulsions from preschools, and in dramatically reducing subsequent special education costs in elementary schools.
Please support Senator Karen Spilka's amendment to restore $3.4 million for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (amendment EHS 500). These services are vital to facilitate the early identification and treatment of mental health needs of young people. Early identification is vital for successful treatment.
Please support Senator Jen Flanagan's amendment to restore $25 million to the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (Rosie D.) (amendment EHS 630). The full implementation of CBHI is key to ensure that Medicaid-eligible children with severe emotional disturbance are able to access community-based care.

Please activate your networks now! The Senate will debate the budget this week.

Give Your Input into DOI Regulations on Intermediary Care - Deadline 5/27

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) is currently accepting comments on proposed regulations related to Intermediary Care for children with mental health needs. DOI has reached out to the Children's Mental Health Campaign and has asked for our input. If you are interested in giving your input, please contact Megan Mahle with Health Law Advocates at mmahle@hla-inc.org or 617-338-5241.