Illinois governor plan targets kids’ mental health crisis

By JOHN O’CONNOR
AP Political Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ governor is planning to outline an expansive attack on what experts say is a mental health crisis among children. Gov. J.B. Pritzker will unveil a plan Friday that coordinates six separate state agencies in streamlining and easing access to necessary treatment. The report on child behavioral health was obtained by The Associated Press in advance. It examines the capacity and condition of Illinois’ response to behavioral health in young people. It sketches avenues to help families understand mental illness, then make it easier for them to get required care. The report outlines technological, practical and legislative changes that will aid coordination among the Departments of Human Services, Public Health and others.