The Problem

In 2002, 151,464 Texas children were considered "At Risk" (having a significant impairment due to a mental disorder) and eligible for services through the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. However, only 26% of at risk eligible children were served.[1] In 2003, juvenile offenders with serious emotional disturbances made up 48% of the Texas Youth Commission population.[2] In August 2003, 179 of 254 Texas counties lacked adequate mental health services.[3] In 2004, 244 Texas children were relinquished to state custody due to the lack of access to appropriate mental health services.[4]

Mental health for children is significant because in today's society, children and adolescents with mental health needs are considered "throw-away" not worthy of our concern. As noted above, children and adolescents are forced from their families to out-of-home placements in order to receive adequate and appropriate services. However there is abundant research to show that whenever possible (or in most cases), these children are much more effectively treated with their families. Studies also show that early identification, prevention and intervention will reduce the number of children and adolescents sent to out-of-home placements. The early approach increases the opportunities for success while decreasing the number of public dollars required for crisis intervention, which is the current methodology of service delivery to these children.

As shown above, Texas children are not receiving the appropriate mental health service interventions necessary for ALL Texas children to be contributing and productive members of society.

About the Council of Families for Children (CFC)

CFC's goal is to develop a statewide family-run organization, which acts as an agent of change regarding the issues that affect the lives of children and adolescents with mental and other health needs. These issues would include but are not limited to prevention of relinquishment of custody to the state for the purpose of receiving vital services; receiving appropriate services through the proper venue including schools, public and private service providers, etc.

While there are a number of organizations focused on mental health issues, to our knowledge, only one is family-run, however, none are looking at developing a statewide web-based system. This system will be a resource for adolescents, family members, agencies, advocacy organizations, elected officials, schools, and public and private service providers to establish communication avenues and learning opportunities.

This goal would be achieved by educating family members and youth as to their rights and responsibilities regarding services and how to become effective change agents and promote wellness and recovery. It would also include providing appropriate input on policies, procedures and laws which affect their ability to be successful.

Another equally important activity would be to educate lawmakers, service providers, agency personnel, educators, and the community regarding the issues that affect the lives and opportunities of children and adolescents with mental health needs. Creating wellness and sensitivity will dispel the fear that surrounds those diagnosed with emotional, behavioral, neurological, mental health and co-occurring disorders.

Public awareness and sensitivity will help children and adolescents receive appropriate services to improve their fundamental opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives within their families. Helping children receive appropriate services early will lead to a significant reduction in the expense necessary to treat them and limit the number of children who are placed outside their homes in long-term treatment facilities, juvenile justice facilities, treatment foster care, and those relinquished to the state.

It is also vital that families be seen as experts concerning their child(ren) and not be "blamed and shamed" because of their child(ren)'s conditions. They should be equal participants in the planning and treatment necessary for the child's recovery and valued for their expertise regarding the delivery and appropriateness of the services. Family members should be valued and compensated, as would any other participant in the process.

One opportunity to achieve this objective is the development of local CFC chapters, each of which will have the opportunity to meet the unique needs of their community. CFC will provide the training necessary for Chapter Leaders to become powerful change agents within their community and be on the cutting edge of best practice and evidence-based techniques. CFC will provide Chapters the resources necessary to maintain their knowledge base as well as minimal financial assistance to aid their development until local resources can be acquired.

Another goal is to attract membership from each zip code area of the state. This will demonstrate the CFC's scope and strengthen the voice of those who champion children's issues, thus ensuring their greater representation at the state level. As Kahill Gibron wrote in Children of Gods, Scions of Apes, "We [children with mental health needs and their families] were a silent, hidden thought in the folds of oblivion, and we have become a voice that causes the heavens to tremble." ALL children and their families deserve a voice, even those whom society fears based on a lack of understanding or awareness.

CFC will need the appropriate staff and facilities to achieve these monumental, but important, objectives. To assist with data collection and evaluation, an internet-based system for chapters to access forms and information as well as provide reporting would be necessary. This Internet-based system would also aid members in acquiring resources to assist in meeting the needs of children and families as well as providing an avenue for input to CFC regarding issues concerning children and families. Web-based training and meetings will allow all interested parties to participate throughout the state and provide an opportunity for CFC to become a national model. There is also the potential to link with educational facilities (primary, secondary, and higher) to share information, resources and provide communication through posting boards.

It is an inherent desire for this to be an organization based on honor, integrity, and respect for all involved.