Families Together In New York State

According to a recent U.S. Surgeon General’s report, one in ten children in the United States suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment. Only one in five of these children receive mental health services in any given year. Half of the children with mental health needs are never treated, leaving them susceptible to not only their health issues, but also stigma. In particular, one example of stigma manifests in the education system.

A report, issued from the National Association of School Psychologists, stated that a lack of services for children with mental health needs puts the standard of living, and the lives of children in jeopardy. When students with disabilities are suspended or expelled, the right to equal access to education is disrupted by the discipline process. They are likely to fall further behind, become more frustrated and, too frequently, drop out of school. Seventy-four percent of students who drop out of school and who are categorized as seriously emotionally disabled are arrested within five years of dropping out. A student who drops out of school is more likely to go to prison than a smoker is likely to get cancer.

In addition, there exists a prevalent misconception that a child can just "snap out of it" and that serious mental disorders are not bona fide illnesses of biological and chemical origin. Even if mental illness is suspected, school personnel and communities too often blame the parents.

In response to the unresolved, continuing dilemma of stigma, the U.S. Surgeon General has called for a war against stigma, greater education of both parents and teachers, and routine assessments of children and adolescents.

Families Together in NYS has a commitment to providing outreach by and for families that will diminish stigma against mental health disorders, raise awareness, and improve the chances that children will succeed.

A wide range of therapeutic, educational and social services are essential to address the needs of these children and their families. Unfortunately, in most states and communities these services are limited and/or not accessible for many families. For many, the choice is between very limited out-patient services and restrictive and often unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization or residential care.

MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH
DIAGNOSES IN CHILDREN

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Conduct Disorder
Eating Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobia
Schizophrenia
Autism
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Children's Mental Health Facts

• It has been estimated that almost 21 percent of U.S. children ages 9 to 17 have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder associated with at least minimum impairment.
• Of these children, fewer than one in five receive needed treatment. Applying this formula to census data for New York State, it is estimated that over 500,000 of NY’s children are in need of mental health treatment, however, only 100,000 are actually receiving treatment.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death of teenagers in New York State.
• With early detection and appropriate treatment, chances are excellent that most children with mental health needs can recover and lead healthy lives.

Symptoms a child with mental health needs may exhibit:

• Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep.
• Not taking part in activities that are normal for the child’s age or refusal to go to school on a regular basis.
• Hyperactive behavior-including fidgeting, or constant movement beyond regular playtime activities.
• A steady noticeable decline in school performance.
• Poor grades in school, although intelligent and trying very hard.
• Pronounced difficulties with concentration, attention, or organization.
• Persistent nightmares or night terrors.
• Sustained, prolonged negative mood or attitude.
• Signs of an eating disorder.
• Substance abuse.
• Frequent outbursts of anger or inability to cope with problems and daily activities.
• Self-injury.
• Acting out sexually, inappropriately seeking attention.

737 Madison Avenue | Albany, NY 12208 | t: 518.432.0333 | f: 518.434.6478 | info@ftnys.org