Advocacy groups are pushing Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to invest in children’s mental health programs over the next two years after a report issued last month said the state doesn’t provide adequate services for children who need them.
“The children’s mental health system in Virginia needs your leadership now more than ever,” reads the letter from the advocacy group Voices for Virginia’s Children delivered to McDonnell on Tuesday. “As you and your administration prepare your budget for the upcoming biennium, we hope that you will consider the voices of Virginia’s 100,000 children who suffer from serious mental health disorders.”
The group is asking for $20 million for programs geared to help children with serious emotional problems.
Margaret Nimmo Crowe, a senior policy analyst for the group, said an online petition in support of the agenda has already garnered more than 1,200 signatures.
