Partners for Our Children

Sponsored by Senator McAuliffe, SB 5571 creates an ongoing statewide public awareness and education campaign regarding mental health and mental illness. It emphasizes the benefits of early identification, appropriate referral, and appropriate treatment. The campaign also includes information about mental health stigma, the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents and children, and factors that may contribute to mental health issues, as well as recommendations for how to recognize mental illness and respond appropriately. The campaign is to include a web site, community training, and print materials and will be developed and conducted by both government agencies and community groups.