AnonymousSource: Santa Barbara County Grand Jury
As the increasing number of children experiencing emotional disturbances and mental disorders make the nation’s news, Santa Barbara County Grand Jury heard from local parents that the extent of the mental health care services in our communities is lacking and often not easily accessed during a time of crisis.
The Jury’s study of the Department of Behavioral Wellness, a mandated provider, revealed that, although its professional staff is working to provide crisis services, additional resources are needed to provide a continuum of care in this County for children and youth under the age of 18.
The most critical need for helping those in crisis is having access to local crisis respite shelter facilities where they can cool off and be safe. Santa Barbara County has crisis respite facilities for adults, but none for children and youth.
Foremost, the Jury recommends the establishment of crisis respite facilities for our community’s children and youth in need, which will expedite their recovery and provide parents and caregivers assurance that their children are receiving the support they need during a mental health crisis.
The full report can be found at www.sbcgj.org.
