Office of Mental Health Marks Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in New York State

Outlines programs and services available to children and families dealing with social, emotional, and mental health challenges

Albany, NY–In recognition of the start of “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week” in New York State, the State Office of Mental Health is highlighting innovative mental health programs across the state.

New York offers one of the most expansive mental health systems in the world, with more than 400 child-focused programs providing over 70 different types of community-based services in our schools, homes and neighborhoods.

"For thousands of children and families throughout New York State, mental health is front and center in their daily lives. Each year, nearly 160,000 children receive licensed mental health services in New York State, services which increasingly focus on early intervention and the creation of lasting resiliency,” said Acting Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “By having an open dialogue about children’s mental health and the resources available to families, we support our kids, their positive emotional development, and the hope for a better and brighter future."

In support of "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" and "May is Mental Health Month," the Governor's Office will be presenting a proclamation at a reception hosted by children's mental health advocates at the New York State Museum in Albany on May 6, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., titled "What's Great in Our State - A Celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness." This free event, sponsored in-part by the Office of Mental Health, is open to the public, with registration.

This event will honor individuals and programs that are successfully addressing the issues of children’s mental health, including early identification, outreach, family education, providing mental health awareness in schools, and successful intervention on behalf of afflicted children and their families. Additionally, artwork created by children living with social, emotional and/or mental health challenges will be on display at the State Museum during the reception and will be shown at a public art exhibit on May 7, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children has a mental health disorder, and the onset for 50 percent of adult mental health disorders occurs by age 14. Research has shown that early identification and intervention of mental health issues, starting prenatally and continuing throughout the lifespan, is an essential component of the health and well-being of children and adults. By focusing on addressing the mental health needs of our children, we increase the likelihood that they will grow up to be happy, healthy and productive members of society.

"The Council on Children and Families is proud to be part of the collaborative effort to engage all New Yorkers in supporting the social and emotional development of children and youth. Raising awareness of the importance of social and emotional development as well as the need for access to treatment for young people with mental health challenges must be at the forefront of our efforts. We join our state agency colleagues and our family and youth partners in recognizing the dedicated efforts of the many individuals and programs throughout New York State that promote positive mental health and respond to the mental health needs of children, youth and their families," said Deborah Benson, Executive Director of the Council on Children & Families.

Statistics on New York State Children's Mental Health

• New York’s public mental health system includes over 1200 community based programs serving children and youth; approximately 450 licensed outpatient and residential programs and 750 support programs. These programs are designed to support early intervention, treatment and support services that build on a child’s social and emotional development. These programs engage children along with families, schools, and communities to create a positive social support system.
• The Office of Mental Health offers, licenses and/or funds over 70 different types of programs that provide emergency, inpatient, outpatient, residential and support services.
• In 2013, an estimated 117,000 children with severe emotional disturbance (SED) received services from the public mental health system. 87% of these children receive community based outpatient treatment and support services.

By creating a system of care focused on early recognition and intervention, supporting children and families in their homes and enabling easy access to a variety of community-based services, we support effective treatment. Along with support services to children and their families, we can positively impact outcomes for school achievement, health and wellness, clinical improvements, and avoidance of juvenile justice, substance abuse and child welfare.

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