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The families of children with mental illness from across the state will speak about their experiences in trying to access a "system" that annually deprives an estimated 100,000 children of the mental health services they need.
Representative Ruth Balser and Senator Steven Tolman, lead sponsors of "An Act to Improve Children's Access to Mental Health Services," will be joined by Senator Karen Spilka and supporters of the bill from Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), Children's Hospital Boston, Health Care for All, Parent Professional Advocacy League, Health Law Advocates, and community organizations and health care providers in urging the legislature to pass this reform bill.
The bill, which has been reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, would enhance early identification of mental health problems in children, expand access to mental health care, and improve the ability of schools to work with children with mental illness.
Since the legislative hearing in May, the bill has been further strengthened with language that would:
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