[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

 Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I am pleased to recognize today 
the 8th annual Missouri Children's Mental Health Week, which was 
celebrated May 2-8. This year's theme is ``In a child's life, everyone 
is accountable.'' The Missouri Department of Mental Health and MO-SPAN, 
the Missouri Statewide Parent Advisory Network, teamed up to co-sponsor 
the week.
  Some estimates indicate that 12 percent of all children and youth in 
the United States have an emotional, behavioral or mental disorder. 
While many of these children and their families need services ranging 
from therapeutic to educational and social services, only about one-
third of these children and youth receive assistance.
  Recognizing Children's Mental Health Week is one way to bring 
attention to the seriousness of mental health disorders in our children 
and spread the message of support for them. The week's events were 
begun with MO-SPAN's Second Annual Clayton Huey Memorial Benefit Walk-
A-Thon and a kickoff event at the Missouri Capitol and continued 
throughout the week.
  It is a privilege for me to be able to recognize the diligent work of 
families with children who have emotional, behavioral and mental 
disorders. Likewise, it is also important to celebrate the workers, 
volunteers, and organizations--like MO-SPAN--who provide vital support, 
services, information, and advocacy for these families.

                          ____________________