Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-Governor Ned Lamont surrounded by several lawmakers, signed three measures into law that will assist children's mental health.
All three measures were passed in bi-partisan fashion in the last session.
The measures increase funding for school-based health centers, hires and retains social workers and psychologists for schools, enhances childcare and early childhood education and reinforces efforts to retain and attract a high-quality workforce. Further they create an equity-based mental health fund to aid the public and telehealth services and aid for services in the medical sector.
"For years before the pandemic, we knew children's mental health was a worsening issue in our communities. The pandemic only made accelerated the problem," said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). "These bills were designed with one purpose – to aid children. Those children experiencing distress will have new, better resources available to them to receive aid. Those at risk will have access to programs put in place to aid their development and mitigate the impact of mental health issues. The children of Connecticut's future will also be able to make use of key development and support programs through these bills, so that they may not experience the circumstances that can contribute to or deepen the impact of a mental health crisis. This overarching, detailed approach with significant depth and attention to every aspect of youth mental health will save lives and benefit our vulnerable young people for years to come."
"What's great about these bills becoming law is that they thoroughly address the many facets of care necessary to support children's mental health," said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). "It meets kids in their schools, providing them with strong pillars of support that will help them stand tall as they grow. It bolsters resources and ensures professionals are ready and able to take on the challenges asked of them to address children's needs. For those at risk and those struggling, it deepens the pool of aid they will be able to utilize. It's an every-child approach and a whole-child approach with direct and actionable care for children's needs."
“If you were to ask a young person today what can be done to help them and their fellow students the answer you are likely to get is supporting their mental health. We are in the midst of a children’s mental health crisis and our young people are begging for assistance. I want Connecticut’s students to know that we hear you and that help is on the way,” said State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford), Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “These new laws will strengthen and expand Connecticut’s mental health infrastructure so that the resources and personnel are more accessible in schools and communities. By putting more tools in the hands of students, families and schools, we are saving lives and supporting the ability of our young leaders to thrive.”
"I am proud today that we are telling the children of Connecticut, 'we see you, we hear you and we support you' with these bills' signing into law," said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Children's Committee. "Far too many of our children face crises or are at risk of experiencing crisis, and they need aid as soon as possible. Today, we take these issues head-on and work to support and protect the health of our future. It's my hope that as today's children become tomorrow's leaders, the importance of mental health remains strong in their minds."
Download the Audacy App and listen to WTIC:
