A Nationwide History of Children’s Mental Health and Family Voice

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is established to support research on mental health issues, including children's mental health.

President Kennedy signs the Community Mental Health Act, which provides funding for community-based mental health centers. Many of these centers provide services for children and adolescents. The act also includes provisions for family involvement in mental health treatment.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is signed into law, providing funding for programs to improve the education of disadvantaged children, including those with mental health needs.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is founded by families and individuals affected by mental illness, providing a platform for family voice in mental health advocacy.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) creates the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP), which promotes family involvement in mental health services for children and adolescents.

The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health is founded by parents and caregivers, creating a national voice for families of children with mental health needs. Learn more about it here.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is signed into law, providing protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is created to provide health insurance coverage to children from lowincome families, including coverage for mental health services. The legislation includes provisions for family involvement in the development and implementation of state CHIP programs.

The Mental Health Parity Act is signed into law, requiring health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at the same level as physical health services.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) establishes the National Family Dialogue, providing a forum for family members to share their experiences and perspectives on mental health care.

The Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program is established to provide funding for community-based mental health services for children and families.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is signed into law, requiring health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services and expanding access to these services for millions of Americans.

The Mental Health First Aid Act is signed into law, providing funding for mental health first aid training for individuals who work with children and adolescents.

The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act is reauthorized, providing funding for suicide prevention programs targeting children and adolescents.

The Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program is reauthorized, including provisions for family involvement in the design/delivery of mental health services.

The 21st Century Cures Act is signed into law, providing funding for mental health research, increasing access to mental health services for children and adolescents, and including provisions for family involvement in mental health research and treatment planning.

The COVID-19 pandemic leads to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among children and adolescents, highlighting the importance of access to mental health services during times of crisis. It also highlights the importance of family involvement in children's mental health care, as families are more involved in providing care and support for their children due to school closures and social distancing measures. Telehealth services provide opportunities for families to participate in mental health treatment from home.