Replies

Judith Anne, after looking over the White House link all I see is more funding for programs that are already implemented and some new programs coming down the line that don't come close to what WND is writing about.

Did you follow the links from that White House page to the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health's Final Report?
Here's an excerpt from Goal 4: Early Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Referral to Services Are Common Practice

"Schools are in a key position to identify mental health problems early and to provide a link to appropriate services. Every day more than 52 million students attend over 114,000 schools in the U.S. When combined with the six million adults working at those schools, almost one-fifth of the population passes through the Nation's schools on any given weekday.¹²² Clearly, strong school mental health programs can attend to the health and behavioral concerns of students, reduce unnecessary pain and suffering, and help ensure academic achievement."

Further down, the commission advocates a particular screening model developed at Columbia University:

All youngsters in a school, with parental consent, are given a computer-based questionnaire that screens them for mental illnesses and suicide risk. At no charge, the Columbia University TeenScreen® Program provides consultation, screening materials, software, training, and technical assistance to qualifying schools and communities. In return, TeenScreen® partners are expected to screen at least 200 youth per year and ensure that a licensed mental health professional is on-site to give immediate counseling and referral services for youth at greatest risk. The Columbia TeenScreen® Program is a not-for-profit organization funded solely by foundations. When the program identifies youth needing treatment, their care is paid for depending on the family's health coverage."

Now, while parental consent would be required for this screening, it's clear that the goal is for universal mental health screening of public school students. It's important to keep in mind that "parental consent" protections often evolve into "opt out" clauses in public schools, meaning that parents must find out about objectionable activites at schools beforehand, and then proactively opt their child out. I did this with my own daughter when the DARE and AIDS education programs surfaced at her elementary school. However, the school assumed no obligation to inform me beforehand, I had to diligently follow what they were up to. The hubris of educators is astonishing.

You can spin, and spin and spin.

This is what the White House webpage says about the link you all are quoting:

"On April 29, 2002, the President issued Executive Order 13263 establishing the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Composed of fifteen members representing providers, payers, administrators, and consumers of mental health services, as well as family members of consumers, and seven ex officio members, the Commission was charged with conducting “a comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system, including public and private sector providers,” and was directed to advise the President on methods of improving the system. In July 2003, the Commission issued its recommendations in a final report entitled Achieving the Promise, Transforming Mental Health Care in America. See http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/reports.htm. The report identifies barriers to care within the mental health system and examples of community-based care models that have proven successful in coordinating and providing treatment services."

The report has recommendations yes, BUT THE WHITE HOUSE page has outlined what it took from the report. If I didn't know the reputation that you have, I'd be surprised at your polemics. You don't surprise. Ever.

First of all, yes, the hubris of educators is astounding. I agree.

I won't disagree with you that this is yet another objectionable program inititative. What I cannot take is world net daily (they don't deserve caps) taking some information and then sensationalizing it to make up with that ludicrous headline because maybe ONE day this MIGHT happen. wnd does this quite often. Every chance I get to call wnd ridiculous, I take.

You want government schools to tell you when they are about to indoctrinate your child? Fat chance. Saber, parents are and should be responsible for their own child's education. I raised a son in the public schools and got tired of watching over what classes I would allow and what not. To remedy this,for the past 10 years, I have home educated my children. No matter where my children have been educated I have accepted total responsiblitly for what they have been exposed to. You were right to do the same for your child and neither one of us should break our arms patting ourselves on the back for doing this. It is our job as parents. We are accountable for them.

The other objection I have is this chicken with his head cut off poster acting like the world is coming to an end because wnd hyped him/her up. Sorry if I don't cut my wrists and end it all now.