Comprehensive Policy Roadmap for Enhancing Children's Mental Health Services in Colorado

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Young Minds Matter: Supporting Children's Mental Health Through Policy Change

The Colorado Children’s Campgn, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Colorado Children’s Healthcare Access Program have recently published a comprehensive roadmap to enhance mental health services for children across our state. Titled Young Minds Matter: Supporting Children's Mental Health Through Policy Change, this brief critically examines existing gaps in policy support for the healthy development of all children and families.

The connection between child mental health, school readiness, academic success, and long-term life outcomes is well-established. Unfortunately, fewer than half of children’s social-emotional, developmental, or mental health issues are identified before they start school.

This document illuminate key questions in the growing conversation about children's mental health in Colorado:

1. Identifying Gaps:

• Where do existing policies fall short in supporting children's mental well-being and family health?

2. Solutions for Improvement:

• How can a more effective approach to children’s mental health be shaped through policy reform?

Policy Recommations:

The brief presents five strategic recommations med at strengthening mental health services for Colorado's children:

1. Integration of Mental Health Services in Healthcare Education:

   • Implement delivery system changes, payment reforms, and practice transformations that facilitate the integration of mental health services within healthcare and educational settings.

2. Building Infrastructure for Screening, Referral Care Coordination:

   • Develop a robust framework to support statewide screening, referral mechanisms, and care coordination systems.

3. Workforce Development:

   • Increase the number of qualified mental health professionals through targeted investments in workforce capacity development.

   • Enhance professional development opportunities that upgrade skills within the field.

4. Navigational System for Care:

   • Establish a comprehensive statewide navigation system to effectively connect caregivers, families, and children with necessary referral resources and mental health supports, including crisis management services.

5. Innovative Approaches and Scaling:

   • Support innovative practices, programs, and strategies that are proven effective. Scale these initiatives while integrating them into the core functions of public agencies serving children.

Acknowledgements and Partnerships:

We express sincere gratitude to Cody Belzley, Dr. Steven Poole, and Dr. Ayelet Talmi for their invaluable partnership as co-authors in this brief. Together, we m to work with elected officials, medical professionals, early learning educators, and other child advocates to advocate for policy changes that can secure a healthier future for Colorado's children.

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About Sarah Barnes:

Sarah Barnes serves as the Manager of Special Policy Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campgn. In this capacity, she collaborates across departments and with external partners to drive strategic policy initiatives forward. Prior experience includes teaching English in middle school and serving as an Interventionist at Pioneer Charter School in Denver, a 2011 Teach For America corps member. Sarah holds a BA in English from Midland University and a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan.

Related Resources:

• 2023 Colorado Children’s Campgn Annual Reportlink

• 2024 Legislative Session Overviewlink

• 2022 Colorado Children's Campgn Annual Reportlink

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