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Take Action to End Juvenile Injustice in California

(Jan. 26, 2005)—Hundreds of California children are warehoused in juvenile detention centers awaiting access to scare community mental health services, according to a new Congressional report. We need your help to put an end to this barbaric practice and help children access the help they need.

This week, Representative Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) released a report on the shocking prevalence of California kids with mental health needs waiting in juvenile detention centers for appropriate mental health services in the community. On any given night, more than 250 youth languish in California facilities that are fundamentally incapable of addressing their needs.

“It is dangerous, costly, and wrong to use jails as overflow for our mental health system,” said Rep. Waxman. “Children who need treatment in their community should receive treatment without delay.”

The report estimates that California taxpayers are paying $10.8 million each year to warehouse youth who are waiting for community mental health services.

Last year, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Waxman and dozens of dedicated children’s advocates in Congress co-sponsored the Keeping Families Together Act, federal legislation to improve access to children’s mental health services. Improved access to services can keep families together and kids out of juvenile detention.

Read a summary of the Keeping Families Together Act (PDF file; You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view and print this file)

Take action

Senator Collins and others have re-introduced the Keeping Families Together Act this session, but she’ll need all the help she can get to ensure its passage. Ask your Senators and Representative to sign on as original co-sponsors of this important bill.

• Send an e-mail to your Senators and Representative urging them to co-sponsor of the Keeping Families Together Act

• Make the Call – Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your Senators or Representative. Once you’ve been connected, ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant on Health Issues and urge him/her to advise your lawmaker to co-sponsor The Keeping Families Together Act (S. 380, H.R. 832).
  

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