Children’s Mental Health Week: Promoting Positive Mental Health and Well-Being for Children, Youth and Families

BOSTON — Since 1996, Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event which works to combat the stigma associated with mental illness and promote awareness around mental health issues. Children’s Mental Health Week is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to help children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.

Governor Deval Patrick has issued a proclamation that May 2 to 9, 2009 is "Children's Mental Health Week" in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Governor Patrick’s Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts value their health and mental health and that of their families; therefore, they are proud to support observances such as Children's Mental Health Week; and

Whereas, studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder. At least one in ten, or about 6 million children and adolescents nationally, have a serious emotional disturbance; and

Whereas, it is important that children and adolescents, along with their families ad communities, learn about the warning signs of mental health problems and where to obtain necessary assistance and treatment; and

Whereas, obtaining a full and accurate diagnosis of a child requires gathering information from diverse sources, including the family, school and those involved with that child; and

Whereas, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of mental health problems among children and adolescents provide them better opportunities to lead full and productive lives; the participation of family members in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents is integral to positive clinical outcomes; and

Whereas, Children's Mental Health Week was developed by families of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs, to focus on the needs of their children and families; in celebrating this year's theme: "Promoting Positive Mental Health and Well-Being for Children, Youth and Families" it is fitting to increase public awareness among all Massachusetts citizens of this important issue;

Now, Therefore, I, Deval Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim May 3-9, 2009 as CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK.

About the Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is one of the 17 state agencies that comprise the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. DMH provides services to adults, children and adolescents with long-term or serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbance; provides early and ongoing treatment for mental illness; and conducts research into the causes of and treatments for mental illness. Through state operated inpatient facilities and community mental health centers and through community services and programs provided by nearly 200 mental health providers, DMH directly serves 21,000 citizens, including about 3,500 children and adolescents, with severe and persistent mental illness and serious emotional disturbance.

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