Children and youth who have mental health needs currently face tremendous challenges. Texas System of Care conducted a series of video interviews to collect different viewpoints and boost awareness about the importance of strengthening the systems that support children and youth with mental health needs and their families. These videos provide answers to the question “Why is children’s mental health important?” from many different perspectives, as well as expanding the discussion into ways to support the quality of care in Texas.
Dr. Sherry Adrian, associate professor at Southwestern University, explains the need for collaboration among education systems and other service providers. Dr. Adrian prepares pre-service teachers for the workforce with a primary focus on special education.
Lauren Lacefield Lewis, associate commissioner for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at the Texas Department of State Health Services, discusses recent successes in Texas in the mental health arena.
Shaleiah Fox, co-founder of Fresh Chefs Society, discusses her experiences in the foster care system and the importance of mentorship.
Sonja Gaines, associate commissioner for Mental Health Coordination at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, discusses the compelling reasons why Texas focuses on mental health.
Dr. Vivian Dorsett, president of the Foster Care Alumni of America Texas Chapter, works to improve the lives of foster care youth. Drawing from her personal experiences, she discusses the impact of foster care on youth and how systems should collaborate to provide the best care.
Sherri Hammack, project lead for the Texas System of Care, has worked in mental health care for several years. Drawing from her experience, she’s seen that mental health is a common thread among all child and youth serving systems.
Elizabeth and Miranda, a mother-daughter team, share how they worked together to tackle mental health needs.
Roger Martinez, chief juvenile probation officer for El Paso County, realized the value of the System of Care when he saw how it engaged the community to understand problems and come together for a common solution.
As the mother of a youth who struggled with mental health needs, Linda Thune brings a unique perspective about the impact of mental health issues on young peoples’ lives and on our communities.
With many years of experience in adult and juvenile correctional systems, Mike Griffiths, executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, brings a unique perspective about the impact of mental health issues on young people’s lives and on our communities.