Federal Legislation and Commissions or Studies

There are multiple government agencies created by federal legislation to provide oversight for services, training and research and funding for young children's mental health, safety and emotional and social development. Key legislation includes:

• IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
• CAPTA - Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
• Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001 (PDF: 69kb)

Federally supported interagency collaborations have resulted in multiple working groups or commissions appointed to study issues and concerns, make suggestions for reforms, and create plans. Membership of these groups have included parents, consumers of services, local and regional public and private providers, institutes of higher education personnel, researchers, state and federal agency directors. Their work has shaped federal agency direction and national agendas for services. Some of these groups include:

• President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2002) - Provides a key component of the "New Freedom Initiative" for person's with disabilities. Goal 4 of the report refers to issues and recommendations for young children and families in systems of care.
• Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health (1999) - This report is the product of a collaboration between two Federal agencies: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Chapter 3 focuses on young children and their issues.