The Washington Post: D.C. children who need mental health services not getting help they need

In an article on the front page of May 9’s Metro section, The Washington Post outlines Children’s Law Center’s plan to improve the children’s mental health system in the District of Columbia. The mental health plan was released at an event hosted by Children’s National Medical Center on May 9, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

The story highlights the story of one CLC client, James Ulmer. James was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 7 after threatening his mother. Despite signs of aggression earlier, it took this violent episode to get James treatment – and he received his first services at a hospital, not in his home or another community center. CLC’s mental health report says that there are thousands more children like James in the District, who need mental health services but are not getting them. The report outlines concrete recommendations for addressing this unmet need.

Read the full article online.