WAMU: Describes ‘Promising Beginnings’ On Children’s Mental Health
WAMU’s Kavitha Cardoza reports on “promising beginnings” in improving the children’s mental health system in the District, detailed in Children’s Law Center’s first Children’s Mental Health Report Card.
Despite some positive steps, the report notes that there’s still a long way to go. Children’s Law Center executive director Judith Sandalow told WAMU there are too many agencies involved, leading to what she calls “bureaucratic fragmentation.” And how soon a child gets treatment is also a problem because of lack of capacity. “We all know if a child breaks her leg, we need to get her to the emergency room right away. Similarly, if a child has a very significant mental health issue she needs treatment quickly or she deteriorates,” Sandalow said.