Social Workers – Strong Role in Children’s Mental Health

NASW and partners raise awareness of issues and solutions

Washington, DC – Nearly 20 percent of youth have a mental illness, but less than 1 in 5 receives treatment for that illness.  This problem profoundly effects children and their ability to learn and thrive.  The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), along with other mental health advocacy partners, supports the advancement of children’s mental health services in this country.

NASW, along with its partners, is sponsoring a briefing at 9 a.m. on May 8 in room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building that will encourage the continued support of comprehensive, community-based mental health services for children and youth.  This briefing will also highlight the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs.

Howie Mandel, host of NBC’s hit show “Deal or No Deal” will speak about living with obsessive compulsive disorder.  Joining Mr. Mandel will be children’s mental health experts and families who have personal experience with mental health issues.

Since social workers are the largest providers of mental health services in the country, NASW is very active on legislation that effects social workers and their clients.  NASW supports the passage of the Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S.558), which provides protection to more than 113 million Americans in health care plans by ensuring that the benefits and financial burdens assigned to behavioral health services are on par with the medical and surgical benefits.

NASW, representing more than 150,000 social workers across the country, joins the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, the Mental Health America, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness in highlighting the importance of children’s mental health. 

For more information about Children’s Mental Health Day, please click here.

To learn more about NASW’s advocacy on behalf of children and their families, please visit NASW Advocacy.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.