For Immediate Release: August 27, 2003

Contact: Lee Carty, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, 202-467-5730 x 121, leec@bazelon.org

New Report Describes Strategic Use of Federal Entitlements For Children's Access to Mental Health Services

Teaming Up—Using the IDEA and Medicaid to Secure Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Children and Youth Bazelon Center Children's Issues Page Bazelon Center Education Issues Page

Washington DC, August 27, 2003— A new report by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law explains which children can obtain what services through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the federal-state Medicaid program, and offers suggestions for advocates' strategic use of the two statutes to obtain services needed by children with emotional or behavioral disorders.

The 26-page paper, Teaming Up—Using the IDEA and Medicaid to Secure Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Children and Youth, explains the benefits and limitations of the special education and healthcare programs as highlighted by litigation around the country.

Many children with disabilities are entitled to special education and education-related services through public schools, but school systems often exclude critical supportive services for children with mental health needs, the report states. "Here is where Medicaid can come into play," writes author Tammy Seltzer, a Bazelon Center staff attorney, for children who qualify as a result of low family income.

Because school is compulsory and the IDEA mandates parental participation, most children who receive mental health services are identified and served through their school, the report points out. Medicaid is often a backup, but it can also be the first choice for obtaining evaluations and access to services, such as in-home and behavior-management services, that are rarely available through the IDEA.

Successful cases throughout the country have defined many of the school systems' and Medicaid programs' obligations to children, as illustrated by detailed examples in Teaming Up. Through a fictional case, the report also lists steps advocates can take to coordinate Medicaid services and education-related services under the IDEA to best serve a child with behavioral health needs.

Teaming Up is available as a PDF file online at www.bazelon.org/teamingup/. Printed copies may be purchased for $5 plus postage through the online bookstore at www.bazelon.org or with an order form from the Bazelon Center publications desk (202-467-5730 ext 110 or email, pubs@bazelon.org).

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The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a leading national legal advocate for the rights of people with mental disabilities. For more information, see www.bazelon.org.