The Coalition for the
Advancement of Children’s Mental Health (CACMH) is a
collaboration of over 30 metro Omaha agencies that work to
promote the development of a comprehensive, coordinated system
of care addressing the social and emotional needs of young
children and their families. Representatives of the Coalition
include area school districts, universities, public health
organizations, hospitals, child care facilities, foster care
and adoption programs, mental health service providers, government
officials, advocacy organizations, and private and community
foundations
Focusing on the needs of children from birth
to age five as well as their families, the Coalition announces
the unveiling of a white paper outlining issues affecting
the youngest members of our communities.
Seeking to answer the question, “What
does it take for children to grow up happy, productive, and
prepared for adult, family, and community life?”, the
paper helps define early childhood mental health along with
identifying challenges for parents, providing facts for professionals,
and citing opportunities available to meet community needs.
According to a January 2001 report from
the U.S. Surgeon General, one in five children (21 percent)
will experience a behavioral health problem. In the two-county
area of Douglas and Sarpy counties, this equates to 11,200
young children having a diagnosable behavioral health problem
that hinders their development.
By identifying problems early and taking
the appropriate steps to address such issues, the CACMH works
to help families achieve a better outcome.
Click
here to download a copy of the white paper
For additional information or to learn
more about CACMH efforts please contact Alice Drake, Manager
of Youth Services, Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare, at (402)
444-4989 or by email at adrake@regionsix.com.
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