Fw: Policy Reporter: Health Reform and Positive Developments for Children and Youth

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Policy Reporter: Health Reform and Positive Developments for Children and Youth

Bazelon Center Mental Health Policy Reporter

Volume VIII, No. 8, December 17, 2009

Road to Health Reform is Bumpy, But Protections and Programs Advance on Other Fronts

In this issue:

Health Reform Debate Intensifies in the Senate

Bill to Regulate and Promote an Alternative to Restraint and Seclusion in Schools

Improved Protections for Juveniles Most Mental Health Programs Get Increased Federal Funding

Newsbytes

Lifelines - a blueprint for access to benefits on leaving jail or prison

Guidelines for telemental health delivery

The top policy topic in this issue is, of course, health care reform. As intensive debate in the Senate occupies the nation's front pages, it's worth noting that both the House and Senate bills would - if enacted - expand insurance coverage and increase access to services that are critical for people with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

Of equal importance to children and families is proposed legislation that would both regulate the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and fund implementation of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to more appropriately and effectively address challenging behaviors. Children and youth who encounter the juvenile justice system would also receive important new protections with reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act.Read the full Reporter online...

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