[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK, MAY 5-11, 1996

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, raising a child is one of the most difficult 
and challenging jobs, and the difficulties are augmented when a child 
has an emotional, behavioral or mental disorder. Not only are parents 
challenged to prepare their child for an increasingly technical job 
market, but also must help their child understand, cope with and 
overcome their disorder.
  A group of dedicated parents, mental health professionals and mental 
health agencies all over the country work tireless hours to inform the 
public about disorders in children and provide information on services 
available. Because of their efforts, this year Children's Mental Health 
Week will be celebrated on a national level for the first time. During 
the week of May 5-11 the group's goal is to disseminate information to 
communities about the needs of these special children and their 
families. I urge my colleagues to become involved with Children's 
Mental Health Week.
  Little is known about mental disorders. Even less is known about the 
mental disorders in children. Diagnosing disorders in children is more 
complex than diagnosing adults and is very difficult to understand. 
While treatment is focused on the children, support and guidance is 
also important for families who suffer from stress. Comprehensive 
effective services on a local level are essential to aid communities. 
Continued research on the effectiveness of programs should be 
supported.
  Mental disorders do not discriminate on the basis of income, 
education, race, ethnic or religious groups. Disorders are found in 
children of single parents, two-parent families, adoptive and foster 
families. Some children are born with the disorder while biological, 
environmental, social and psychological factors cause disorders in 
other children. A mental disorder, which can strike anyone at any time, 
range from serious to minor and include attention deficit hyperactivity 
disorder, autism, clinical depression, panic disorder and learning 
disabilities.
  Public Law 102-321, the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health 
Administration [ADAMHA] Reorganization Act, provides block grants to 
States to provide community mental health services for children. The 22 
5-year grants are being used to implement community-based programs. 
Although data on the effectiveness and outcome of such support is not 
yet available, I urge my colleagues to continue to support the grant 
programs. I also urge my colleagues to recognize and commend these 
dedicated parents for their continued efforts to educate the public on 
emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders in children.

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