Lilly Draws Attention to Children’s Mental Health Reforms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is calling attention to reforms of the children’s mental health system in Illinois.

“Children with serious mental health issues are some of our most vulnerable people,” Lilly said. “We must do everything we can in order to make sure those children are getting the care they need because early diagnosis and access to appropriate services can make the difference in the lives of children with serious mental illnesses.”

Lilly backed House Bill 2154 to require insurance companies to cover evidence-based treatment for serious mental illnesses among children, including community-based treatments that consist of teams of medical, behavioral and rehabilitation professionals. This will ensure that private insurance companies are conforming to treatment plans offered under Medicaid.

The Lilly-backed law will also create working groups dedicated to recommending additional reforms that will allow Illinois to achieve the goals of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). The FFPSA, signed into law in 2018, reforms federal child welfare financing with the goal of preventing at-risk children from entering the foster care system by allowing federal reimbursement for children’s mental health services.

“A child’s mental health is as critical to their wellbeing as their physical health and serious mental illnesses can even lead to deteriorated physical health,” Lilly said. “By ensuring that families can access comprehensive treatments in their community for children with serious mental illnesses, we can help this vulnerable population achieve healthy social and emotional development.”