January 28, 2023
“We applaud efforts to protect our children and educators. However, creating a school-based police force (“BPS safety suggestions include police,” Metro, Jan. 19) may have harmful consequences and negatively affect children and families already marginalized by disability, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation…” [READ]
The state’s ‘front door’ to behavioral health care set to open as demand for services soars
January 1, 2023
“A new “front door” opens Tuesday for Massachusetts residents seeking mental health care, promising fast access to what has been a near-impenetrable system.
Whether in crisis or just not sure where to turn, people will now be able to call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line – 833-773-BHHL – or walk into one of 25 designated centers. If all goes as planned, immediately a clinician will assess the situation and connect the person with help, regardless of the type of insurance they have…” [READ]
Foster Parents Bill of Rights Signed Into Law
January 6, 2023
The Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights creates guidelines for establishing a clear understanding between the Department of Children and Families and Massachusetts foster parents.
The newly established law outlines basic rights afforded to foster parents, rights regarding the provision of foster care, and rights regarding communication and information sharing between foster parents and the Department of Children and Families (DCF). [LEARN MORE]
What’s behind the spike in childhood anxiety and depression in Massachusetts
August 19, 2022
“The 2022 Kids Count Data Book indicates that the share of kids in the U.S. suffering from anxiety and depression spiked by nearly 26% from the years 2016 to 2020. But in Massachusetts, the percent increase was nearly double in that same time frame. WBUR’s Carrie Jung recently spoke with Mary McGeown, the executive director of the nonprofit Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, to help explain the jump…” [MORE]
Mass. tops child welfare rankings, lags in pediatric mental health
August 10, 2022
“A NEW NATIONAL report ranked Massachusetts best in the country for child welfare, but buried in the report is one significant danger sign: Massachusetts is one of the worst in the country when it comes to rates of depression and anxiety among children and teenagers…” [MORE]
Governor Baker signs wide-ranging mental health bill
August 10, 2022
“Baker signed a wide-ranging mental health bill that aims to improve the struggling system and ensure all residents can access the health care they need.” [MORE]
The Time is Now
September 15, 2021
Read the latest from the Children’s Mental Health Campaign! [MORE]
May 31, 2021
“COVID has made worse a long-standing crisis in child psychiatric care…” [READ MORE]
May 24, 2021
“For Sarah Ahola, it was a Friday when she got the call that two girls would be arriving at her place at 5 p.m. Though this was her second foster placement, the incoming sisters were older than the previous child — that was when Ahola realized she didn’t have an appropriately sized bed…” [READ MORE]
March 10, 2021
“With educators poised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and a return to in-person learning, our attention turns to addressing the dramatic increase in anxiety and depression among students…” [READ MORE]