Reflections from Montgomery: A Journey Through History, Advocacy, & the Path to Liberation: Part 1 of 3
November 5, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a three-year plan called “Right Help, Right Now” and an additional $230 million for behavioral health services in Virginia. Children’s mental health was a top issue for the governor, where he announced doubling access to mobile crisis response teams, $15 million to expand school-based mental health services, $9 million for telehealth in preK-12 and higher education, and expansion of trauma-informed alternative transportation services. This is a historic investment for youth mental health in the commonwealth.
Rachael Deane, CEO at Voices for Virginia’s Children, issued the following statement:
“Thank you to Governor Youngkin for prioritizing children’s mental health and understanding the urgency to overhaul our entire mental health system. Children and adolescents must be able to receive care. It is critical to invest in our workforce that serves young people and improve their access to crisis-response services, outpatient therapy, and school-based mental health services.
“Mental health care needs among young people far outpace the available resources for this unique population, and the system is nearly at a breaking point. Virginia ranks 48th in access to youth mental health services. There are only 14 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 children, and only 10% of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services budget has been dedicated to serving children and youth. Additionally, racial inequities, language access, and a strained workforce continue to create barriers on how young people are able to get help, if at all.
“Virginia needs a functioning continuum of care for different levels of mental health crisis among young people. Lawmakers must prioritize solutions tailored to the specific needs of children and youth that include:
“A long-term commitment is needed to build a mental health network of care for children to receive support whenever, wherever, and as soon as mental health concerns are raised.”
View our full 2023 policy agenda.
ABOUT VOICES FOR VIRGINIA’S CHILDREN
Voices for Virginia’s Children is a nonprofit organization committed to improving and protecting the lives of Virginia’s children, youth, and families. We believe every child should have equitable access to the resources, services and opportunities needed to thrive. For us, that means advocating for sound policies, educating the public, mobilizing communities, utilizing data to determine unmet needs, and leading with compassion. Our aim is to always close the systemic gaps that fail children, prioritize racial justice in policymaking, and ensure every voice has a role in shaping their future. Get involved at vakids.org.
November 5, 2024
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