In commemoration of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has introduced fresh policy guidance and resources. These initiatives aim to broaden access to legal representation for children eligible for title IV-E foster care, alongside their parents, kinship caregivers, Indian custodians, and tribes. The provision of federal funds to facilitate legal representation by state and tribal child welfare agencies underscores a commitment to addressing the mental health crisis, aligning with President Biden’s Unity Agenda and his strategy for mental health transformation in the United States.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of supporting the nation’s children, families, and early educators during formative developmental years. Acknowledging the profound impact of healthy social and emotional development in early childhood on lifelong mental health, Secretary Becerra underscored the significance of the newly introduced resources. These resources are specifically designed to enable early childhood programs to collaborate with families in fostering healthy and nurturing learning environments, thereby equipping all children for success in both academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom.
Tailored to recipients of ACF’s four early childhood funding streams—the Child Care and Development Fund, the Head Start program, the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five program, and the Tribal Home Visiting Program—the resources offer a comprehensive array of actionable recommendations, resources, and strategies. These aim to promote healthy child development and facilitate the seamless integration of mental and behavioral health supports into early care and education programs. Such integration is deemed vital given the substantial time young children spend in these environments.
Aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s prioritization of addressing the mental health crisis, these resources reinforce the HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration. The overarching goal is to incorporate the full spectrum of behavioral health care into early childhood systems, ensuring equitable access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and person-centered care for all individuals. Furthermore, these resources complement recent proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, emphasizing the integration of mental health considerations across program facets. This proactive approach aims to bolster the overall well-being of children, families, and staff within these early childhood programs.
ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild reaffirmed the importance of early childhood programs in fostering healthy development. He stressed the critical role of supporting the well-being of families and the workforce engaged in child care and home visiting initiatives. ACF remains steadfast in its commitment to integrating behavioral health services and supports into existing federal programs and resources, underscoring its dedication to the holistic well-being of children, youth, and families across the nation.
