Our state faces difficult problems,but there are solutions out there:
Health & Wellness
Of the 90,000 school-age children with mental health disorders in Wisconsin, fewer than 20% receive needed services which we know can substantially improve functioning at home, at school, and in the community. Stigma and lack of parity are major challenges which result in untreated mental health disorders. The consequences of untreated mental illness impact all aspects of society including high school drop out rates, substance abuse, juvenile justice, abuse and neglect, isolation, loss of jobs, family stability, and suicide. We are paying a substantial price for our inaction.
What are the challenges?
Families do not receive equal access to health care services to treat mental illness like they do for physical illness. Wisconsin is one of sixteen states without mental health insurance parity, which means families that include children with mental, emotional, behavioral or substance abuse disorders experience discrimination. Mental health disorders also co-exist with other developmental and physical disabilities.
Where can we begin?
Mental health disorders are highly treatable with the right evaluation, medical attention and treatment. Families need greater access to insurance coverage for their child’s mental health needs.
What are the challenges?
There is very little in the proposed state budget to address the unmet needs of children’s mental health needs.
Where can we begin?
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Currently there are 42 counties offering collaborative systems of care (a.k.a. “wraparound”). Prioritize expansion by funding five new counties per year of the biennium.
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Increase the focus on children’s mental health in DHFS by adding one full-time children’s mental health specialist or directing DHFS to reallocate staff for this position. There are presently only two employees dedicated to this issue.
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Improve the identification of children in need of mental health services in juvenile corrections. Include reporting and analysis of the screening, the type of mental health services provided, and the outcomes or plans for aftercare.
