Statement of Purpose:
Adolescent mental health is becoming more of an issue in Stanislaus County. Many teenagers are struggling with behavior, motivation, school performance, and emotional challenges, yet they do not meet the criteria for hospitalization. As a result, they often do not receive support until their condition worsens. Currently, there are not enough early intervention programs, and many families are unsure where to seek help or are unable to access services. School counselors are responsible for large numbers of students, and not all families can afford therapy or have transportation or access to care. This leaves many teens without support, especially in lower-income communities. Waiting until a situation becomes severe is not effective. By the time support is provided, the teen may already be failing school, using substances, or becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Early intervention could prevent many of these outcomes.

This petition calls for specific policy changes to improve early mental health support for adolescents in Stanislaus County. This includes:

• requiring annual mental health check-ins in middle and high schools, along with a clear referral process, meaning once a student is identified as needing help, they are connected to counseling or mental health services and followed up with
• increasing funding to improve counselor-to-student ratios so students can be seen and supported in a timely manner
• expanding school-based mental health services through programs like Medi-Cal (California’s health insurance for low-income families) so more students can access free or low-cost care directly through their schools
• creating mobile or community-based mental health services, allowing providers to reach teens who are not attending school or who may not have access to clinics
• establishing a faster response system, where students identified as needing support are seen within a set timeframe instead of waiting weeks or months. 

These types of early intervention and school-based mental health programs have already been shown to improve student outcomes and help prevent more serious issues later on.

 
Call to Action:
More needs to be done to support adolescent mental health. By signing this petition, you are supporting earlier access to mental health services, stronger support within schools, and improved resources for families seeking help for their children. Your signature helps bring attention to this issue and encourages meaningful changes in funding, access, and early intervention.