ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — A bill championed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, to improve access to mental and behavioral health care for children was signed into law Wednesday.
“Given that our children’s mental health needs are constantly evolving, Illinois’ response must evolve as well. The Children’s Mental Health Partnership will bring lawmakers and mental health experts together to address children’s mental health needs across a full continuum of care,” Manley said. “This legislation is an integral step in ensuring that children with mental health and behavioral challenges receive the high quality care they need to grow and thrive.”
Senate Bill 3889 empowers the Children’s Mental Health Partnership to advise state agencies as they design and implement strategies to provide comprehensive and coordinated mental health care services for youth and their families. Members of the partnership include relevant stakeholders, such as experts on community mental health, substance use prevention, violence prevention and more. The partnership will conduct research assessments to determine the needs of children with mental health challenges, recommend policies and provide information on effective programs for the delivery of mental health services and submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly on these topics.
“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our children, and I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Governor for prioritizing this important issue,” said Manley. “Together, we will improve our state’s mental health response and provide our children with the care they deserve.”
Senate Bill 3889 passed the General Assembly with no opposition. For more information, please visit www.ilga.gov.
Rep. Natalie Manley
Assistant Majority Leader
(D-Joliet)
98th District
Springfield Office:
300 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-3316
District Office:
1050 W. Romeo Rd.
Suite 101
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 725-2741