Mental illness leading cause of disability in youth
Mental health problems such as depression account for nearly half of all disability among young people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to a new study from the World Health Organization.
Health Magazine

Mom.me: Foster kids: A fulfilling challenge
As of September 2009, the latest period for which data have been compiled, more than 420,000 children were in foster care nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Almost a quarter of those children were living with relatives, while 48 percent were in foster family homes of nonrelatives.
Sacramento Bee

Many children lack adequate mental health coverage
Nearly 7.4 million U.S. children (11.3%) have been diagnosed with emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions, according to new report by the Health Resources and Services Administration. About three in 10 diagnosed children have health insurance that does not always meet their needs, the report indicates. The findings are based on parents’ responses to the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, sponsored by HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. One-third of children diagnosed with emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions also have been diagnosed with a chronic physical condition, the report notes.
Health Resources and Services Administration

Steinberg wants to undo some Schwarzeneggar vetos
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said Wednesday he will ask the next governor to reverse nearly $470 million in social service cuts that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger imposed while signing the state budget last week.
Sacramento Bee

Child care cuts force families to waiting lists
As of November 1st, 30,000 families and 55,000 children face an immediate crisis with the cut of the CalWORKs Stage 3 Child Care program.
Sacramento Bee

1 in 5 U.S. teens has serious mental disorder
Severe emotional, behavior disorders more common than physical disorders such as asthma, diabetes.
MSNBC

Happy birthday - no more help for you
Foster child emancipates. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez reports on a teen in the process of emancipating from the foster care system.
CNN

CWLA Releases Statement Following Russian Adopted Child
In light of media reports concerning the Tennessee adoptive parent who tried to return a seven-year-old adopted boy to Russia by sending him on a flight back by himself, The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), released this statement
The Child Welfare League of America

Learn about Foster Care and Adoption Services at EMQ FamiliesFirst and our Wraparound program. Read the story of Ernie who was helped by Wraparound and adopted into a loving family.

Notebook: After Foster Care
Katie Couric discusses foster children and the tough choices they face when they turn 18-years-old. With almost no support, these young adults are often left to fend for themselves.
CBS News

Report: Foster Kids Face Tough Times After Age 18
Life after foster care. Two stories of teens aging out of the sytem.
NPR

Study Finds More Woes Following Foster Care
Data from Chapin Hall study on young people from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois as they transition out of foster care into adulthood.
The New York Times

Superior Court expands substance-abuse treatment and parenting program
The San Francisco Superior Court will be the first family drug court to expand and serve parents with children in long-term foster care placements as well as incarcerated parents seeking a second chance to reunite with their children.
San Francisco Examiner

State Changes Foster Care Regulations
A new campaign is being launched by state officials in an effort to better serve foster children.
KCBS

Kids, meds and mental health
Surveys and statistics showed that the story of over-diagnosis and overmedication was wrong; 5 percent of children in America take psychotropic medication, while 5 to 20 percent are estimated to have mental health issues. The vast majority of those in need of help never get any care at all.
CNN

Mental Health America Hails Enactment of Historic Health Care Reform Bill
Mental Health America

National Council Commends President Obama and the U.S. House of Representatives for Recent Actions in Support of Healthcare Reform
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Federal bill would increase the number of qualified individuals eligible to become adoptive or foster parents by restricting federal funding for states employing discriminatory practices in adoption and foster care placements based on sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.
The Huffington Post

State Budget Cuts Threaten Child Welfare Programs
NPR

Federal Court Orders State to Cover More Foster Care Costs
Youth Today

Teen Depression and Suicide – The Death of Marie Osmond’s Son Michael Blosil
Behavorial Health Central

Mental Health America Welcomes Increases for Mental Health Programs in President’s Budget Will Work With Congress and Administration to Build Upon Request
Mental Health America

A Determined Quest to Bring Adoptive Ties to Foster Teenagers
The New York TImes

Fourth Annual Halogen User Conference a Brilliant Success
Halogen customer EMQ FamiliesFirst one of three to receive Halogen's Bright Light Award for unique achievements.
PRWeb

Sleep problems common in children with ADHD
Reuters

Panel advises depression screening for US teens
Associated Press

Statement of Mental Health America on Report On Youth Mental Health
Mental Health America

CPS Standards for Hiring Can Be Strict, or Minimal
Sacramento Bee

From the Editor: Keeping Mum on Issues, CPS Fails Public
Sacramento Bee

Dozens in CPS Have Criminal Records
Sacramento Bee

Teenage Birthrate Increases For Second Consecutive Year
Washington Post

Brain Abnormality Found in Boys With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Science Daily

Children of the System - New research supports a radical shift in child-welfare policy for the thousands of teens who 'age out' of foster care at age 18, only to face high rates of homelessness, unemployment and incarceration.
Newsweek

California Legislators Consider Extending Foster Care Through Age 21
San Jose Mercury News

Mental Health Advocates Fight To Defeat Reallocation of Funds
online news service of the California Healthcare Foundation

Dan Walters: California's 40-year Mental Help Pledge Undone
Sacramento Bee

Margaret A. Bengs: Drug abuse, alcohol add to child neglect
Sacramento Bee

Editorial: Mental Health 'Savings' Will Prove Costly
Sacramento Bee

Health Spending Takes Rising Share of U.S. Economy
Reuters

Senate Passes Children's Health Bill
US & World