Executive Summary
Supporting children and youth behavioral health
Background
Despite targeted investments to expand care—especially for young people in crisis—Washington ranks 48th in the nation for youth flourishing, a metric reflecting the overall well‑being of children and adolescents.
Conversations with young people, families, providers, and administrators across the state reveal a consistent reality: Washington’s behavioral health system is fragmented and unable to fully meet the needs of young people from before birth through age 25—or the needs of those who support them.
Common challenges include:
- Parents and caregivers spending countless hours navigating a maze of disconnected agencies, each with its own rules and requirements.
- Young people and families waiting months for services, missing critical early‑intervention opportunities.
- Teachers and school staff struggling to support students who show early warning signs of mental health challenges.
- Behavioral health workers experiencing burnout and leaving the profession due to inadequate support, heavy caseloads, and significant administrative burdens.
- Communities and system partners recognizing that there are simply not enough behavioral health providers, services, or supports available to meet growing needs.
Summary
Established the Washington Thriving strategic plan as the framework Washington state will work towards implementing. The Governor must lead coordination efforts and is required to maintain an Executive Coordination officer for the Children and Youth System of Care for the purpose monitoring the implementation, building the infrastructure, coordinating private funding, and monitor the equity impacts of the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan.
The Governor must establish a leadership council to address children and youth health and wellness issues and coordinate efforts to implement the Strategic Plan.
Key Points
Additional information
Ways to Get Involved
Steps to Get Started
- Learn where the bill is in the legislative process.
- If there is an upcoming hearing, decide how you would like to get your voice heard and take action.
- If there is not an upcoming hearing, or if you want to supplement your advocacy, call or write your legislators.
- Spread the word and get other people on board.
Participating in a Hearing
Sign in Pro, Con, or Other
This is when individuals, advocates, and organizations make their position on a particular bill known for the record. This is particularly powerful in large numbers. Many organizations will send out Action Alerts asking people to sign in Pro or Con on a bill.
Submit Written Testimony
Submitting written testimony is a great way not only to make your position known to legislators but also to explain why in more detail. This is a good option if you don’t want to speak in front of others. People also like to offer more nuance to their position by writing.
Testify Virtually
Since COVID, many legislators are allowing remote/virtual testimony for bill hearings, as it greatly expands access to the legislative process across the state. For this, individuals usually have between 1-2 minutes to state their opinion on a bill in front of the legislative committee on Zoom.