Legislative Bulletin Board
The ACMH bulletin board includes legislative and state department activity that impacts families who are raising children with mental health challenges. This will include updates on key legislation as it moves through the process and ideas for ways you can give input into the process.
Call your U.S. Senators Regarding The Keeping All Students Safe Act (S. 2020)
Posted 1-30-12
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act (S. 2020) in response to an alarming report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that found hundreds of cases of alleged abuse and even deaths of children -- most of them with disabilities -- as a result of restraint and seclusion in schools. No federal laws regulate the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, and state laws vary widely.
That's why we need you to call and ask your two U.S. senators to cosponsor The Keeping All Students Safe Act (S. 2020), showing they support protecting children from these harmful -- even deadly -- practices.
Please call today! You can find your senators' phone numbers by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
For more about the GAO report, the bill, the issue, and news stories on this issue, read the full Action Alert here.
Letters for Mental Health Parity Needed
Posted 11-22-11
Dear Families and Constituents:
We are asking for your help in communicating a key message on behalf of ACMH to legislators. Mental Health parity, as you know, is a critical need for youth and families in Michigan. ACMH wants all of our staff, members, board of directors, and supporters to help us let Michigan legislators know that this needs to be an issue that Michigan does something about in 2011!
Michigan is one of 7 states in the United States left to not have mental health parity. We are lagging behind! We must support all of our constituents to have access to health care including mental health care.Please contact your legislators to let them know how important it is that they take up the issue of mental health parity legislation during this session of the Michigan legislature.
Families raising children with mental health disorders need mental health parity to ensure they are able to:
• Ensure children/youth receive services & supports that are driven by need and not by authorized number of visits
• Ensure families do not face bankruptcy due to excessive co-pays and deductibles on mental health services that are inequitable to health care services
• Afford children/youth access to mental health care as part of overall good health
Tell your legislator that you want them to consider supporting bills to offer mental health parity in Michigan and when and if the bills come up for vote that you expect them to vote in support of mental health parity.
Included (below) is a list of the legislators in each area. When you call, email or mail them be sure to indicate that you are with ACMH. Let us know when you make contact with legislators and what their responses are. We want to make sure in 2011 that they know we are going to maintain a steady drumbeat until they start to follow the beat of our drum!
Sincerely,
Malisa Pearson,
Executive Director and Gail Lanphear,
Co-Founder/Board Member
Important Documents
House Passes Its Version of the Anti-Bullying Bill
Posted 11-14-11
Unlike the now nationally infamous Senate-passed version of "Matt's Safe School Law," the House version approved overwhelmingly Thursday received the endorsement of Matt Epling's father. Kevin Epling has sought approval of anti-bullying legislation for years, since his son Matt Epling committed suicide in 2002 after being bullied.
He was offended by the Republican-led Senate's inclusion at the last minute of language that Democrats called a "license to bully" because of an exemption to statements made based on moral convictions or religious beliefs.
The Senate bill was ridiculed across the country for the new language. Multiple national news outlets reported the story. The House version does not contain the controversial language.
Another change from the Senate is that it would allow a school district that already has an anti-bullying policy to keep it in place, but just add in any pieces it doesn't contain that the new law would mandate.
Upon the bill becoming law, school districts would have six months to adopt an anti-bullying policy. After a 40-minute debate on the House floor, the bill was approved 88-18.
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration is a part of our Children's Mental Health family and family sticks together...
Posted 10-28-11
Proposed cuts to SAMHSA are looming on the horizon. Funding cuts to SAMHSA could, and likely will, mean cuts to essential dollars that currently fund Statewide Family Networks across the country such as Association for Children's Mental Health (ACMH). We need you to use your voice and tell your congressional leaders how important ACMH's work is to you, your family and your community. Learn more here.
Upcoming Workgroups: Please Participate
Posted 10-28-11
All meetings of the Workgroup will take place at Causeway Bay Lansing (6820 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911).
Care Coordination and Assessment Work Group Charter
Tuesday, November 15 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 29 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuesday, December 13 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Education, Outreach, and Enrollee Protections
Tuesday, November 29 at 1:30
Tuesday December 13, at 1:30
Performance Measurement and QM
Wednesday, November 16 at 8:30
Thursday, December 1 at 8:30
Thursday, December 15 at 8:30
Service Array and Provider Network
Wednesday, November 16 at 1:30
Thursday, December 1 at 1:30
Thursday, December 15 at 1:30
MDCH to Hold Regional Health Needs Assessments
Posted 7-25-11
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is sponsoring a series of eight regional meetings to gather input that will be used for a statewide health needs assessment. At Michigan's Children, we understand the critical importance of the health of children and families to succeed academically and in life. Critical areas of health such as maternal and infant health, teen pregnancy, adolescent health and health behaviors all affect individual outcomes in terms of health, education, and career.
The MDCH meetings will begin with a brief review of health and demographic data by state and region and a discussion of those items for which the region is doing better or worse than the state averages. Following the review will be a facilitated discussion and smaller group sessions to discuss what the state's health priorities should be and what is working well or not working to impact the priorities. The meetings will provide an opportunity for public input on health issues facing Michigan citizens; input will be used to craft a statewide health improvement plan.
For more information about these meetings, please visit Michigan's Children's community events web page.
DCH Stakeholder Meetings
Posted 7-12-11
The Michigan Department of Community Health has contracted with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a plan to integrate care for beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medicaid (the "dual eligibles"). An integrated care model covers both Medicare and Medicaid services and benefits, including inpatient and outpatient acute care, skilled nursing facility services, long-term nursing home care, behavioral health care, home health services, durable medical equipment, and prescription drugs. The goal of an integrated care model is to offer beneficiaries person-centered, coordinated services that meet the unique needs of dual eligibles. As the MDCH seeks to establish more integrated and accountable systems of care for its dually eligible beneficiaries, it is seeking input from stakeholders about the goals and key elements of care integration to help shape its final plan.
We invite you and your members or constituents to participate in one of four public forums to be held around the state to learn about and offer input into the state's plans for integrating care for dual eligibles in Michigan. In addition to hearing a presentation from Michigan's Medicaid agency, forum participants will be asked to describe features of the current system that should be preserved and issues that exist within the current system that can be improved. They will also offer feedback regarding the state's proposed approach for integrating care. A draft forum agenda, including discussion questions, and a description of the state's general approach are attached.
Forums will be held in Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Marquette, and Southfield. Dates and times are listed below. You can learn more about our plans for obtaining stakeholder input and register to attend a forum at https://janus.pscinc.com/dualeligibles/. The forums will take place in...
Gaylord: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Grand Rapids: Monday, July 25, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Marquette: Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Southfield: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
ACMH 2011 Policy Priorities
Posted 6-22-11
Serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable. Supporting good mental health and well-being for children, youth and families is good public policy! Click here to read the document.
Meeting Notice: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health
Posted 4-12-11
DATE: Thursday, April 14, 2011
TIME: 3:30 p.m., or after committees are given leave by the Houseto meet, whichever is later
PLACE: Room 352-House Appropriations, Capitol Building
AGENDA: Decision Making on the Department of Community Health Budget Bill for FY 2011-12
Individuals wishing to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum of 20 copies for distribution. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled individuals needing special services to fully participate in the meeting may contact the Chair (number listed above) to request the necessary assistance.
Community Mental Health Board Meetings ~ Listings
Posted 1-11-11
Attention: Parents/Caregivers/Family Members
As a parent/caregiver/family member of a young person with a mental health challenge, it is critical that CMH Board members meet you, hear your story, and understand how the decisions they make will impact your child and family.
If you attend a CMH Board meeting, we want to hear about your experiences. Please send us an email at acmhadmin@sbcglobal.net and tell us how your story impacted decision makers.
Malisa Pearson
Executive Director
Association for Children's Mental Health
Let's Turn Autism Bills into Coverage for ALL with Brain Disorders
Posted 10-30-10
Your help is needed to contact members of the State Senate TODAY!
There are many indications that House Bills 4183 and 4476, the autism insurance coverage bills, which passed the House last year, will come up for a vote in the Senate during the final days of the 2010 session - this Tuesday, November 30th through Thursday, December 2nd.
Prior to the Legislature's Thanksgiving break, the House did not take a vote on broad-based mental health parity bills despite the fact they were reported from House Health Policy in ample time and previous commitments to do so had been made by House leaders. If the Legislature does not convene past December 2, the bills will be dead for this session due to calendar and procedural requirements.
However, the House-passed autism coverage bills, like any bills coming before the Legislature, could be amended. In fact, Partners for Parity, including the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, is advoctaing that these bills be amended in the Senate to cover not only autism spectrum disorder, but all brain disorders.
We urge you to contact your State Senator with this message: Please end insurance discrimination for all brain disorders.
Specific talking points are available in a one-page format by clicking here. As always, adding your personal and/or professional experiences about the overwhelming long-term cost and treatment benefits of adequate coverage for all mental illnesses, serious emotional disturbances and developmental disorders is what really solidifies your input with legislators.
PLEASE call and email your state senator TODAY. Tomorrow really will be too late. This may be our last chance for the foreseeable future for Michigan to join the other 43 states who have enacted mental health parity. To find your Senator click here.
The autism bills have strong support in the Legislature, including Senator Randy Richardville, who will become Senate Majority Leader in the new legislative session beginning in January and Lieutenant Governor-elect, Brian Calley. Rep. Calley has recently become a much more outspoken advocate for the autism bills and is urging his Senate colleagues to take up HB's 4183 and 4476 through efforts like a press release and YouTube video.
Covering children with autism would be good...covering all children with brain disorders would be better.
- information provided by Partners for Parity and Kathleen Gross, Michigan Psychiatric Society
Alert: Autism bills poised for a vote...parity for all or some?
Posted 10-24-10
There are many indications that the autism coverage bills, which passed the House last year, will come up for a vote in the Senate, during these last days of session…Tuesday, November 30th through Thursday, December 2nd. See the Detroit News article: http://detnews.com/article/20101123/POLITICS02/11230443/
As you know, the House did not take a vote on mental health parity. Due to the calendar and procedures, there is not opportunity for the House parity bills to move…and the Senate does not have parity bills to act upon.
However, the House-passed autism coverage bills, like any bills coming before the legislature, could be amended. In fact, we would recommend that these bills be amended to cover not only autism spectrum disorder, but all brain disorders.
We urge you to contact your State Senator with this message: Please end insurance discrimination for all brain disorders. Now is the time for mental health parity for all
Please see the attached flyer and activate your networks. This may be our last chance for the foreseeable future for Michigan to join the other 43 states who have enacted mental health parity.
Beginning on Monday, call and email your Senator. To find your Senator: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysenator/fysenator.htm
As you know, the autism bills have strong supporters in the legislature, including Senator Randy Richardville, who will be the new Senate Majority Leader in the new legislative session beginning in January. In addition, Lieutenant Governor-elect, Brian Calley has become an outspoken advocate for the autism bills.
See this: http://www.pitchengine.com/therossmangroup/lt-govelect-calley-makes-personal-appeal-to-senators-for-autism-insurance-reform/103992/
To read the analysis of the House-passed autism bills, see this: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billanalysis/House/pdf/2009-HLA-4183-3.pdf (but note that there were some floor amendments and not all the groups’ positions were accurate).
HOWEVER…don’t worry too much about the details…but do participate in the important grass roots Partners for Parity effort:
Covering children with autism would be good…covering all children with brain disorders would be better.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions
Kathleen Gross
Executive Director
Michigan Psychiatric Society
271 Woodland Pass, Suite 125
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-333-0838
Fax: 517-333-0220
kgross@mpsonline.org
Juvenile Justice: The Cradle to Prison Pipeline
Posted 9-23-10
Congress is running out of time to help our children who continue to be funneled into the juvenile justice system and the Cradle to Prison Pipeline. On any given day, there are about 100,000 youths confined to juvenile detention centers and residential facilities across the country, and two-thirds of them have been charged with nonviolent or minor offenses. These children would be better served by youth prevention, intervention, and rehabilitative programs in their local community—not a jail cell.
The federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) stimulates reforms in juvenile justice systems nationwide to help keep children out of adult jails, end the over-incarceration of youths of color, eliminate abusive practices in detention facilities, and devote more resources to effective programs that get help to these children early, protect our young people and keep our communities safe.
The Children’s Defense Fund has joined a broad coalition of national organizations that advocates for children and youth to push forward the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevent Act this year in the Congress before it adjourns on October 8th.
Congress has just 13 days before it adjourns for elections! Help now. Children and teens already caught up in the juvenile justice system cannot wait another day.
Take Action Today
Urge Congress to reauthorize and improve the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act this year by signing the petitions below:
- Sign the House of Representatives Petition
- Sign the Senate Petition
Help us reach our goal of over 15,000 signatures by the end of September by forwarding this Alert throughout your networks.
Learn more about incarcerated youth and the multiple risks young people face of ending up in prison through the Other Vulnerable Children and Youths section of our recently released the State of America's Children® 2010 report. Thank you for taking action on this important legislation.
Visit http://www.childrensdefense.org/programs-campaigns/cradle-to-prison-pipeline/ to find any of the documents or links mentioned in this announcement.
CDF Action Council
Recipient Rights Legislation Introduced
Posted 9-21-10
It is a official - the recipient rights legislation was introduced by Rep. Kate Segal (D-62, Battle Creek) on September 16, 2010. If this passes, the Office of Recipient Rights would become independent of the Department of Community Health.
The bill number is HB 6456. Please thank Rep. Segal for her efforts in introducing the bill. She can be reached at (888) 347-8062 or KateSegal@house.mi.gov.
The bill number is HB 6456. Here is the link to download a copy of the bill here or here.
As more information develops, we will pass it along to everyone or you
can keep updated at our Facebook page.
Tom Masseau,
Director of Government & Media Relations
Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.
Lansing MI 48911-4263
517.487.1755 (phone)
800.288.5923 (toll free)
517.487.0827 (fax)
The Ability to Vote 2010 Coalition
Posted 9-19-10
The Ability to Vote 2010 Coalition is working to make sure every person who wants to cast his/her vote does. We need your help and commitment to make sure persons in our community with disabilities can vote in the upcoming November election.
The ability to exercise our rights as citizens to vote in the upcoming election is without question important. However some persons with disabilities are not able to exercise this right because of barriers to voting including lack of transportation to the polling sight. Members of your organization can help with this transportation issue by volunteering to take persons with disabilities to their polling sight.
Please pass on this invitation to your members or staff. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer to provide transportation, please contact Debbie Wisser at 248) 858-0929.
Families of Children with Behavioral, Emotional, and Mental Health Disorders
Posted 8-3-10
ACMH, Michigan's statewide family network for families raising children with mental health disorders, is a partner of the Michigan Coalition for Children and Families (MCCF). Recently, MCCF conducted a survey of candidates to ascertain their views on key issues relevant to children and families. The results are compiled in a report just out today. Mental health questions were incorporated into this survey and the responses were very encouraging.
2 Insurers to Run High-risk Pool in Michigan;
Coverage to Start by Oct. 1 and Run Until 2014; Appropriation Needs Approval First
Posted 7-30-10
Two Michigan-based health insurers -- both subsidiaries of large hospital systems -- have been selected to run the state's new high-risk insurance pool to provide coverage by October for chronically uninsured adults.
Priority Health of Grand Rapids, a subsidiary of Spectrum Health, will provide coverage to 61 Michigan counties, and Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan, a Lansing subsidiary of the Sparrow Health, will run the pool in 22 others.
The winning bids were announced Monday by the Department of Management and Budget, which oversees bidding for state contracts.
News From the National Women's Law Center: Children First Act of 2010
Posted 7-29-10
It is really big news. After our exciting success in the House appropriations process, the Senate has also included a major increase for child care and Head Start!
The subcommittee’s appropriations bill includes a $1 billion increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and a $990.3 million increase for Head Start/Early Head Start, maintaining the important investments previously made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition, the appropriations bill added $300 million for the Early Learning Challenge Fund, signaling a greater recognition in Congress of the need to raise the quality of early learning programs.
As you know, we still have some more steps to climb before funding is finally approved, but these are major advances in the process. Thank you for your continued efforts to ensure that the appropriations increases become a reality.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. Before Congress adjourns for the August recess, we have another opportunity to help families afford stable, good-quality child care.
The Children First Act of 2010 was introduced today by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) in the Senate and Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) in the House. The Children First Act would increase mandatory child care funding by $800 million in FY 2011, with provisions for inflation adjustments beginning in FY 2012 through FY 2015. Additionally, the Act ensures that providers receiving funding through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program would have to meet the same minimum standards for CCDBG-funded providers. If enacted, this would provide an even greater expansion of sorely needed child care funds and improvements in quality.
Help this critical bill gain momentum — ask your Members of Congress to cosponsor the Children First Act of 2010!
Thank you for your continued commitment. Together, we will work for more victories in the months to come!
Visit http://action.nwlc.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=34462.0&dlv_id=30642 for more information on how you can take action.
Sincerely,
Helen Blank
Director, Leadership and Public Policy
National Women's Law Center
Candidate Forum in Wyoming, Michigan
Posted 6-30-10
Congressional District and Michigan House and Senate Candidates Forum hosted by the WKACC Government Matters Committee. Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 5:30 pm at the Wyoming Public Library auditorium, 3450 Michael Ave SW in Wyoming.
Action Alert: Family Support Programs
Posted 6-21-10
This is an action alert for family support programs that we are concerned about.
As of June 11, the Conference Committee process has begun to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Michigan Department of Community Health budget. Conferees are:
Senator Roger Kahn (Senate District 32)
Senator John Pappageorge (Senate District 13)
Senator Deb Cherry (Senate District 26)
Representative Gary McDowell (House District 107)
Representative George Cushingberry (House District 8)
Representative Kevin Green (House District 77)
Highlights of the Community Health Budget include:
- The House passed the bill that restores $1,183,6000 GF/GP for non-emergency transportation and $1,098,200 for incontinent supplies that had been eliminated in FY2009/2010 for the Title V CSHCS eligibles. The Senate does not agree with the House.
- The House concurs with the Senate recommendation projecting a 2.6% caseload increase in the Family Support Subsidy Program and increasing TANF funds for this program by $871,300. This program provides $222.11 monthly payment to income-eligible families with a child under 18 living at home who is severely mentally impaired, severely multiply impaired, or autistic.
These House actions are great news and the Senate has been supportive in some areas, however there is more work to be done and your advocacy efforts are needed by doing the following:
- Thank the House of Representatives for their support of families and children with disabilities.
- Thank the House and Senate for supporting a significant increase in caseloads in the Family Support Subsidy Program and an increase in TANF funds.
- Advocate and educate your Senators on the importance of non-emergency transportation and incontinent supplies for families. Urge your Senators to agree with the House provisions on restoring funding for these important items.
Help Prevent State Cuts in Medicaid and Other Crucial Services
Posted 6-9-10
We need your help to ensure that the Senate passes a jobs bill this week that includes a six month extension of extra Medicaid help and health insurance for the unemployed. It is also important that it maintains support for summer jobs, an extension of unemployment insurance, other improvements for jobless parents, and housing assistance.
Please call your Senators today. Tell them to include both six months of extra Medicaid assistance to states and COBRA health coverage subsidies for the unemployed in their version of the House Jobs Bill they will act on this week.
Without these important health expansions and other improvements already in the House bill, states will be forced to make deep cuts in health care and other programs serving children and families as they work to balance their state budgets, already stretched by the recession. Restoring state aid and help for the jobless will boost economic growth.
Reach your Senators through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or use the toll free number donated by AFSCME – 888-340-6521. When you call the toll-free number, you will hear a brief message about jobs and Medicaid, asked your zip code and be directed straight to your Senators' offices.
The House passed bill — the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4123) — which the Senate will act on this week, did not include the six month extension of extra Medicaid help or the COBRA health coverage subsidies for the unemployed. It did include important provisions for summer jobs for youths, extending unemployment insurance, continuing the TANF Emergency Fund, and expanding housing assistance. It is critically important that these health provisions that were dropped from the House bill be restored by the Senate and that other improvements be maintained. Without increased federal funding for Medicaid and other health supports, states will be forced to make deep cuts in Medicaid and other programs impacting children and families as they finalize their 2011 budgets by their July 1st budget deadlines.
Thank you for helping prevent state cuts in Medicaid and other crucial services.
— Children's Defense Fund Action Council
Meeting Notice: House Judiciary Committee
Posted 6-7-10
DATE: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: 521 House Office Building, Lansing
AGENDA: The House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Mark Meadows, will hear the juvenile competency legislation next Wednesday, June 9, 10:30am (521 House Office Building, Lansing, MI). Representative Lipton has informed me that they are no longer seeking testimony but highly encourage individuals and groups to submit cards. (HB 5175; 5482-89)
Meeting Notice: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health
Posted 5-14-10
DATE: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: Room 352 - House Appropriations, Capitol Building
AGENDA: Decision Making: FY 2010-11 Department of Community Health Budget
Individuals wishing to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum of 25 copies for distribution. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled individuals needing special services to fully participate in the meeting may contact Rep. Gary McDowell, Chair, at (517) 373-2629.
Michigan Department of Education Notice of Public Hearing
Posted 4-14-10
The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services will conduct public hearings to receive public comment on the following document:
ESY Guidance on Timeliness of Decision Making
The proposed document is accessible on the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Web site at www.michigan.gov/ose-eis under “Spotlight.”
The proposed document, “ESY Guidance on Timeliness of Decision Making,” is proposed for addition to the document “Guidance for Extended School Year Services in Michigan , August 12, 2009.” This document can be found on the Web site at: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598_7376-198486--,00.html.
Public hearings will be held at the following sites:
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at The Lexington Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Road , Lansing , Michigan 48917 . Hotel phone: (517) 323-7100 (check the announcement board in the hotel lobby for room name).
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, Kent ISD, Rogue Room, 2930 Knapp, N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525. Kent ISD phone: (616) 364-1333.
Oral or written comment may be presented in person at the hearings or submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m., May 14, 2010. All comment will be reviewed and considered in the final version of the document. Comments may be submitted to the following:
Public Comment
Michigan Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing , MI 48909
Email: mde-ose@michigan.gov
Fax: 517-373-7504
If special accommodations, including interpreter services, are needed to participate in the public hearings, please contact Meredith Hines at 517-373-0924 or email at hinesm@michigan.gov by April 6, 2010.
Revised Meeting Notice: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health
Posted 4-6-10
DATE: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: Room 352 - House Appropriations, Capitol Building
AGENDA: Department Presentation on FY 2010-11 Budget Recommendation - Overview and Medicaid
Individuals wishing to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum of 25 copies for distribution. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled individuals needing special services to fully participate in the meeting may contact Rep. Gary McDowell, Chair, at (517) 373-2629.
Talking Points for Children's Mental Health in Michigan
By ACMH; Posted 3-21-10
Reject the Senate’s Proposed FY 2011 Budget for DCH Non-Medicaid General Funds
- The Senate DCH Subcommittee proposed FY 2011 budget cuts Non-Medicaid General fund dollars by $53.7 Million.
- Children who are not Medicaid eligible will be unable to access public mental health care resulting in:
- Increased abuse & neglect substantiations
- Increased referrals into Juvenile Justice
- Increased suspension, expulsion and drop-out rates in school
- Increased unemployment for parents/caregivers due to disruption in work
Restore funding for Medicaid eligibility for Caretaker Relatives
- FY 2011 budget proposed to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for Caretaker Relatives
- Many parents/caregivers are unable to maintain employment due to the challenges of children with mental health needs
- Many parents/caregivers are forced to stay home to care for their children with serious emotional disorders due to the child’s:
- Extreme behaviors
- Intense need or supervision
- Inability to access child care settings
- Expulsion from child care settings
- Loss of employment due to the disruptions in work from child’s problems at school, child care, or in the community
- The elimination of this eligibility for caretakers will mean:
- Increased un-insured caretakers of children with multiple challenges
- Increased health care costs due to lack of preventative health care
- Unhealthy caretakers of our most vulnerable children
Reinstate Funding for the Child Care Enhancement Program
- The funding for this program has been eliminated for FY 2011
- If these funds are not restored, early childhood mental health consultation services provided through DHS licensed, registered, and enrolled child care settings will end.
- This services is:
- The only program currently in Michigan that focuses solely on social-emotional health of infants and toddlers – an early predictor of school success
- Provides training for child care workers to promote positive social-emotional development and prevent expulsion and long-term mental health problems
- Of 251 children served through CCEP:
- 50% had substantially fewer behavioral problems
- 50% had considerably more self-control, social skills and positive behaviors
- Parenting stress significantly decreased
- Parents were less likely to have disruptions at work or school due to their child’s child care problems
- Child care workers were significantly better able to identify early warning signs and manage challenging behaviors
- Loss of funding for CCEP will result in:
- Fewer children entering into school with positive social-emotional development – an early predictor of school failure
- More children with long-term mental health problems resulting in high-cost interventions due to the lack of early intervention
- More parents unable to maintain employment due to child care expulsions and disruptions in work
House DCH Subcommittee Schedule
Posted 3-21-10
Monday, March 15, 2010
10:00 am -1:00 pm
Lakes Room
Park Place Hotel
300 East State Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Topics: All aspects of FY 2010-11 Budget Recommendation for DCH
Monday, March 22, 2010
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sinai-Grace Hospital
Auditorium
6071 W. Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48235
Topics: All aspects of FY 2010-11 Budget Recommendation for DCH
Monday, April 19, 2010
9:00 am - 12:00 pm;
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Room 352
Capitol Building
Topics: Medicaid; Public Health; Health Policy, Regulation, and Professions; Crime
Victim Services
Monday, April 26, 2010
9:00 am - 12:00 pm;
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Room 352
Capitol Building
Topics: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Office of Services to the Aging
