FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2018
Legislators to Learn How to Break Down Barriers in Kids’ Mental Health System
BOSTON, MA- Health Law Advocates and Senator Eileen Donoghue will host legislators and staff members to discuss how the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) closes gaps in Massachusetts children's mental health system.
The event will take place on January 25th at the State House in room 428 from 10-11.
The legislative briefing features Senator Donoghue, Representative Thomas Golden Jr., researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health who performed a two-year assessment of MHAP for Kids, and families served by the program. The event focuses on how MHAP for Kids uses legal advocacy to respond to the unmet mental health needs that many youth face. This advocacy helps to keep children out of the court system.
“MHAP for Kids plays a critical role in advancing the Commonwealth’s efforts to divert children from the court system when their pressing need is mental health care,” said Marisol Garcia, HLA’s Director/Managing Attorney for MHAP for Kids. “This program has been proven to improve children’s mental health, school attendance and family functioning while reducing youth’s need for hospital-level care and court-involvement. MHAP for Kids represents a great investment for Massachusetts.”
MHAP for Kids hopes to expand its services to address the challenges facing youth and families in the court, mental health, child welfare, and school systems throughout the Commonwealth.
ABOUT:
Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides pro bono legal representation to low-income residents experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. HLA is committed to ensuring universal access to quality health care in Massachusetts, particularly those who are most at risk.
HLA is a partner organization of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, a coalition of 160 organizations devoted to ensuring every child in the Commonwealth receives the highest quality mental health care.
CONTACT:
Marisol Garcia, Director/Managing Attorney
Health Law Advocates
617-275-2917
www.healthlawadvocates.org
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