The NYS Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services’ reputation for integrity has resulted in valuable relationships with state officials. These relations have helped to present the Coalition as a resource to legislators and administrative staff on pertinent issues that affect children’s mental health services across New York State.

The Coalition provides a collective influence and direct access to New York’s regulatory, fiscal and legislative bodies. The Coalition’s membership provides an opportunity to transform the children’s mental health system and to shape the future of the industry rather than have it shaped for them.

Continually asked to act as the lead children’s mental health providers’ voice on legislative policy matters, the Coalition develops proactive legislative priorities and agendas prior to the legislative session. During each legislative session, we ask for our member’s assistance by providing input to support those policies and positions.

In addition to advocating on our members behalf, The Coalition publishes reports, Budget and Legislative fact sheets and “Talking Points” summarizing the implications, our position, the legislative history, and what our members and families should ask for of their legislative leaders regarding the issues.
The Coalition is the premier voice for children’s mental health service providers and the children and families they serve in New York State. The Coalition works collaboratively with other statewide advocates to support the formation of policy that will best serve the needs of children with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges and their families.

An Overview of the NYS Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services’ 2009-2010 Budget and Legislative Agendas and Requests

2009-2010 New York State Budget Agenda: The Coalition’s Budget Agenda for 2009-2010 is aimed at Reinvesting in The Children’s Plan.

2009-2010 New York State Budget Requests:

Coalition 2009 Member Family Support Budget Request: The Coalition seeks to create a children’s reinvestment plan to create a future funding stream for the Family Support movement in New York State. Without funding to replace CSP and COPS, rate add-ons that will be lost by 2013, the role of families in children’s mental health treatment and services will be compromised.

Coalition 2009 Budget Request RTF Trend Factor Final: The governor proposes that OMH residential treatment facilities wait three years for operating expenses to be fully reimbursed versus the existing two years. The Coalition asks to reject that proposal and instead defer the ‘09-10 “trend factor”, taking the savings by eliminating regulatory mandates that resulted in Medicaid rate increases.

Restore Base Calculation of Human Services COLA: The governor proposes to reduce the popular Human Services Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and proposes no COLA during the 2009-2010 state fiscal year. This “reduction to the COLS base” must be restored.

2009-2010 New York State Legislative Initiatives Agenda: The Coalition’s Legislative Agenda for 2009-2010 is aimed at Reinvesting in The Children’s Plan.

2009-2010 New York State Legislative Requests:

Coalition 2009 Legislative Request Clinic Restructuring: To comply with HIPPA Medicaid and DOH directives may have unintended consequences for the children and families who need access to clinics compromising the mission of these clinics.

Coalition 2009 Legislative Request LCSW: The 2002 NYS laws restricting the practice of psychotherapy to individuals licensed by the Education Department affecting the licensure and practice of psychology, social work and mental health professions. The Coalition supports the Governor’s recommendation to extend the exemption for licensed mental health programs until unintended consequences are addressed which limit access to mental health care by children and families.

Coalition Advocacy Day and Family Dinner & Reception
During each Legislative session, The Coalition sponsors Coalition Advocacy Day to provide the opportunity for our members to speak directly with the state leaders on the issues directly affecting our provider services. Agendas and Budget Talking Points are provided for set meetings with legislative staff and leaders to insure the most productive and informative experience for participants. Coalition Advocacy Day allows members to participate in state and local program and policy developments relating to children's mental health.

Our Annual Family Dinner and Reception also provides the opportunity to network with peers and is highlighted with pertinent keynote speakers.