Fw: Advocates Gear Up to Focus on Mental Health, Criminal Justice

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Advocates Gear Up to Focus on Mental Health, Criminal Justice

Welcome to the Bazelon Center's Mental Health Policy Reporter

Volume VIII, No. 3, April 15, 2010

Congress Reconvenes, Advocates Gear Up to Focus Lawmakers' Attention on Mental Health in Education, Criminal Justice

In this issue

School-Wide Positive Behavior Support in Education Law Reauthorization

Continued Funding Sought for Mental Health and Criminal Justice Collaboration Grant

SSI/SSDI Determinations and Substance Use Disorders

Newsbytes

CMS Letter Explains New Medicaid Option to Cover Low-Income Adults HHS and HUD Partner on Rental Assistance Programs Positive Youth Justice Report HHS on Healthcare Quality and Disparity Reports

Returning to the Capitol from their Spring recess after a months-long focus on health care reform, the nation's legislators began work on many other issues. Among those of particular interest to people with disabilities is reauthorization of the main education law, into which mental health advocates are working to include a mandate of school-wide positive behavioral support. In addition, Congress is asked to maintain and increase funding for the MIOTCRA program of grants to foster collaboration between state and local mental health and criminal justice agencies. Away from Capitol Hill, the Social Security Administration is at work to revise its policies for determining disability - and thus, eligibility for benefits - in applicants who have substance use disorders. The Bazelon Center has submitted extensive comments to the agency.

Read the full Reporter online.

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