SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 48
(By Senators Unger and Hunter)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
available mental health services for servicemen and
servicewomen and their families following duty in combat
areas.
Whereas, Many West Virginia servicemen and servicewomen have
been mobilized and assigned to combat and support duty in
Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries; and
Whereas, Many of these servicemen and servicewomen are members
of the National Guard with established residences, professions and
families in this state; and
Whereas, The families of these men and women are faced with
the stress of dealing with additional responsibilities, the fear
and worry for loved ones in harm's way and the loss of vital
support; and
Whereas, These servicemen and servicewomen and their families
deserve appropriate mental health services from a collaborative
state effort through multiple agencies, including, but not limited
to: The Department of Health and Human Resources, the Bureau of
Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, the Bureau for Children
and Families, the Department of Education, the Division of Juvenile
Services and relevant agencies of the federal government; and
Whereas, Mental health services for returning servicemen and servicewomen and their families may best be provided by community-
based mental health services; and
Whereas, Federal comprehensive community mental health
services grants are available to develop comprehensive, community-
based systems of care for youth with serious emotional disturbances
and their families, but may only be applied to in-state treatment;
and
Whereas, The Legislature should explore the possibilities of
developing a comprehensive multiagency mental health plan to
identify the core services needed in West Virginia communities to
provide adequate care and address the development of community-
based treatment options and financial assistance opportunities to
assist these returning servicemen and servicewomen and their
families;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study available mental health services for servicemen
and servicewomen and their families following duty in combat areas;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.