SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26
(By Senators Prezioso, Hunter, Sharpe, Unger, Boley, Foster,
Dempsey and Jenkins)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance direct the
Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources
Accountability to oversee the development of the state Mental
Health Plan to ensure that the process moves toward the
development of improved care for the mental health needs of
the citizens of West Virginia.
Whereas, The Mental Health Plan, the State Health Plan, the
(Behavioral) Health Criteria for Performance Excellence and Healthy
People 2010, as well as other goal-setting recommendation plans,
contain some discussion of the topic of mental health, the degree
of which depends on the particular document; and
Whereas, Community-based mental health care creates an
environment of stability for those afflicted with mental health
problems who receive family-based treatment in their communities of
residence; and
Whereas, Federal Comprehensive Community Mental Health
Services Program 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. According to the Department of Health and Human Resources, over 400 juveniles are in out-of-state care facilities
at any given time, for a total cost of more than $22 million per
year in out-of-state expenditures, due to a lack of adequate care
systems within the state; and
Whereas, The appropriate treatment of juveniles with serious
emotional disturbances and their families requires a collaborative
state effort from multiple agencies, including, but not limited to:
The Department of Health and Human Resources, the Bureau for
Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, the Bureau for Children
and Families, the Department of Education and the Division of
Juvenile Services; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to direct the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health
and Human Resources Accountability to oversee the development of
the state Mental Health Plan to ensure that the process moves
toward the development of improved care for the mental health needs
of the citizens of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Health and Human
Resources report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health
and Human Resources Accountability on September 1, 2005, and
December 31, 2005, on the status and implementation of the Mental
Health Plan; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Department of Health and Human Resources should explore the possibilities of developing a comprehensive
multiagency mental health plan in the State of West Virginia,
identify the core services needed in West Virginia communities in
order to provide adequate care to February 22, 2005residents,
address the development of community-based treatment options and
financial assistance opportunities available to avoid out-of-state
placements and make every effort to establish a financial base that
can adequately fund needed mental health services; 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.
Email
Webmaster | © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **
