Emergency Service Programs (ESPs) represent the first stop for many families of children going through a mental health crisis.  Periodically, Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL) receives a surge in calls and concerns around crisis care and one such surge prompted this study.  This survey sought to capture the concerns of families and mental health professionals who have had experience with children’s mental health emergency services and highlight areas which need improvement in those settings.

To see the full report, click here.

The use of medications as a treatment for emotional, behavioral and mental health needs in children and teens has become commonplace.  The rising number of children taking psychiatric medications has been discussed by the media, by doctors and by school professionals.  Yet, the perspective of families has never been captured. 

The results of this study are coming soon.

In August 2004, Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL) conducted a brief survey of approximately 35 Family Support Specialists (FSS) in the PAL network in Massachusetts. The Family Support Specialists work with hundreds of families in communities throughout the Commonwealth.These families receive support through support groups, visits, phone calls and by being accompanied to various school and planning meetings. Through these interactions, many families share their concerns regarding their children; some of those concerns include substance use. Many families feel that these co-occurring disorders complicate their access to services and treatments.

Click on the link below to view the survey results.
Substance Use in Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Needs

Speak Out for Access: The Experiences of Massachusetts Families in Obtaining Mental Health Care for their Children reports the barriers, gaps and fragmentation faced by the families of children with mental health needs. Results from a survey of 300 families highlight concerns around early identification, access to care, parental involvement, schools, crisis care, medications and linkages to other services.

Click here to read the full report