Children’s Social, Emotional & Behavioral Health Plan Interagency Task Force

Children’s Social, Emotional & Behavioral Health Plan
Interagency Task Force

In recognition of the one in five Indiana children who may have a diagnosable mental disorder (Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, 1999) we are pleased to submit the “Children’s Social, Emotional and Behavioral Health Plan” (the Plan) for your review and consideration. Initiated by Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 529 during the 2005 legislative session, it is the product of eleven months of work. The legislation specified what the plan should address, and who should participate in its development. The plan covers many topics including assessment, accountability and outcome measurement, finance and budget, best practices, referral networks, school standards, workforce development, and training.

Considerable information and insight were gathered through three public forums conducted in the north, central and southern regions of the state. The Task Force received input from parents and other interested stakeholders throughout the compilation of the report. The input was noted and incorporated into the report. Much of the public comment that was received centered on the screening of children. It is important to note that the Plan does not recommend screening without parental consent. The State of Indiana understands that parents are the decision-makers in the care for their children, including screening as well as treatment. Involving parents and caregivers in the planning and organizing of screening is imperative. Screening must be voluntary, active parental consent must be obtained, and clear procedures must be in place for notifying parents of the screening. When sharing the results with parents, parents must be made aware that the results are an important tool to use when helping and working with their child. Please refer to page 10 of the Plan for more information.

The Task Force specified the following objectives for the Plan: a focus on agency coordination, early identification and intervention; funding that assures access and equity; improved processes to deliver appropriate care; to learn about effective practices; public education about resources; and to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. You will see recommended goals and strategies to address the identified needs in the Plan. Paralleling our work, the Transformation of the Mental Health System (the Transformation) was launched and the Sunny Start: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Initiative began. These groups are significant because the Transformation is also a multiple agency and statewide endeavor that will address the complexities in the planning and delivery of mental health care and its guiding philosophy. Sunny Start: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, lead by the Indiana State Department of Health, bridges multiple child serving entities to identify and endorse core competencies for those serving young children. We anticipate a blending of our work to further enhance the outcomes of the 529 Plan.

Throughout the report you will recognize the values which underpin the Plan: culturally and linguistically competent planning and services that are community-based and family driven. There is still considerable work to be undertaken, including establishing subcommittees on Accountability and Outcome Measurement, Finance and Budget, Obtaining Services and Referral Networks (including a public awareness campaign), Early Learning Foundations and Indiana Academic Standards, and Workforce Development and Training.

For more information on family support groups please contact Kim Williams with Families Reaching for Rainbows at kwilliams@choicesteam.org or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami-in@nami.org. For more information on Natural Resources for families please contact Deborah Washburn at deborahwas@aol.com.

Thank you.