HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.15

(By Delegates Long, Spencer, Talbott, Barker,

Marshall, Overington and Rowan)



Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the current status of mental health services for adolescents and young adults to reduce suicide rates and rates of delinquency.

Whereas, At-risk youth are more likely to attempt or to commit suicide or engage in delinquent acts; and
Whereas, Mental and behavioral health services are not adequate or available for many West Virginia youth; and
Whereas, Mental illness such as depression, like physical illnesses, is treatable; and
Whereas, Depression is the major leading cause of suicide; and
Whereas, Depression affects nearly one in every eight adolescents; and
Whereas, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers age 15 to 19; and
Whereas, Eighty percent of people who seek treatment for depression show improvement; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the current state of mental health services for adolescents and young adults, including the use of colocated health and mental health facilities in public schools and colleges and universities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That Joint Committee on Government and Finance report on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations, to the next regular session of the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to carry out its duties, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

This resolution is recommended for adoption in the 2005 Regular Session by the Legislative Task Force on Juvenile Foster Care, Detention and Placement.