The Dallas Morning News (11/19, Smith) reports that “more needs to be done to provide mental and behavioral health services for children – especially those living in poverty,” according to Children’s Health annual report examining “the quality of life for kids in six North Texas counties.” In Collin and Dallas counties, the report found “the number of children receiving mental health diagnoses through Medicaid managed care has more than doubled in recent years.” The report noted that “funding for child-specific mental health services has decreased from 2016-17 to 2018-19,” while “child mortality and adolescent suicides are on the rise, with Dallas County experiencing a 27% increase in adolescent suicides in 2016.” This is the first year in the report’s “16-year history” where a specific recommendation was made to target mental health specifically.
Related Links:
— “With suicide rates and child mortality on rise in Dallas, experts urge for more help for kids’ mental health, “Corbett Smith, The Dallas Morning News, November 18, 2019