Syracuse Citizens Go to Capitol Hill to Discuss Youths and Mental Health Issues
BETHESDA, MD -- Syracuse citizens, Judi Jacques and Laura Burt of Elevations Residential Treatment Center, went to Capitol Hill to meet with congressional representatives and staff members as part of a 25-member delegation from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). NATSAP is the North American resource for programs and professionals assisting young people with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Jacques and Burt met with Rep. Rob Bishop (UT) and staff members from the offices of Sens. Ted Cruz (TX), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), and Kamala Harris (CA).
"In our meetings, we stressed the stringent credentials of NATSAP-member programs and discussed the importance of therapeutic treatment options for at-risk adolescents and teenagers," said Jacques.
They also discussed their desire to work on legislation that would improve therapeutic schools and programs.
"This was a great opportunity for us to share our personal stories and express NATSAP's desire to work collaboratively with congressional leaders on improved, effective legislation," said Burt.
NATSAP and its members work year round on communicating with national and state legislators culminating in the annual NATSAP Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
"We go to the Hill to educate legislators on the importance of our programs, which help fill the gap of mental health programs for adolescents and young adults not being met by publically-funded programs," said Megan Stokes, Executive Director of NATSAP who also was part of the delegation.
The North America association sends members to Capitol Hill to educate legislators on the importance of programs, which help fill the gap of mental health programs for adolescents and young adults not being met by publically-funded programs.
All NATSAP member programs that treat children under 18 are overseen by state therapeutic licensure or accredited by major mental health bodies, and, in some cases, both.
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About the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)
Founded in 1999, NATSAP is the North American resource for programs and professionals assisting young people with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NATSAP members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness therapy programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs. NATSAP members are independently operated and owned. NATSAP does not provide placement services.
