Blunt’s bipartisan, bicameral bill provides foster care children with mental health support

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) recently sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that mental health screenings and assessments are provided to children and youth entering the nation’s foster care system.

“With data showing an alarming decline in outpatient mental health services for children across the country, this is a critical time to ensure that foster children do not fall through the cracks,” Sen. Blunt said. 

The senator on March 18 introduced the Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act, S. 836, with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), while the companion version, H.R. 2033, was introduced the same day in the U.S. House of Representatives by nine Democrats led by U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI).

“The bipartisan, bicameral support for this bill demonstrates a shared commitment to making sure foster children have the support they need to live happy, healthy, successful lives,” said Sen. Blunt. “I hope all of our colleagues will join us in this effort.”

If enacted, the measure would require states to provide an initial mental health screening to foster children within 30 days of entering the program. If a mental health issue is identified, states then would be required to provide a comprehensive health assessment within 60 days. Yearly mental health screenings also would be required, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Blunt’s office.

“Children in foster care are much more likely to struggle with issues like depression, anxiety and PTSD,” said Sen. Blunt last week. “This bill recognizes the unique health challenges foster kids face and helps ensure they get the mental and behavioral health care they need.”

The bill is supported by Gwen O’Brien, director of advocacy and prevention at Synergy Services, who said, “Timely mental health screenings and assessments will serve as a method of triaging and identifying children who are in need of mental health treatment and initiate the healing process.”