We know that when the basic needs of children and adolescents are not met at home, they are at risk for behavioral and mental health problems. We also know that these children need services to prevent their behavior and mental health problems from becoming worse and entrenched. So, when politicians say we cannot afford basic health programs like SCHIP, they, perhaps are not aware that the dollars spent on childhood physical and mental health care can prevent spending hundreds of thousands of dollars as they grow older and their problems worsen due to lack of care. Add to that the cost of losses in families and communities due to violence. The costs of doing too little far outweighs the costs of doing the right thing in the first place. We can give them treatment when they are young or lock them up when they grow up. Incarceration costs much more that outpatient treatment and prevention.

Research has demonstrated that good prevention of later delinquency, child abuse and violence includes home visiting programs and Head Start type programs with family involvement. Family therapy, mentoring, and skill building are effective for young “at risk” youth. A recent study of school based mental health (Schmidt, Seifert, Weist, 2007) demonstrated that this type of program can reduce disciplinary problems and absenteeism, while improving mental health and self-esteem of children who participate in the program when compared to those who do not participate. We know what to do. We know that it works. To not do it is inefficient, ineffective and wrong.

SCHIP funds physical and mental health care for children and adolescents who do not have health insurance. This year there is a bill to expand the coverage of SCHIP. The Senate will vote on SCHIP soon and the President has threatened to veto the bill. The senate probably has enough votes to pass SCHIP, but not enough to over-ride a veto. However, it is important to understand that we will all gain by making sure that all children and teens have adequate physical and mental health care.