September 23, 2003

REP. DILLON BLASTS CUT TO MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) today called on the governor’s office and the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to reverse their position on funding for KidCare, the state’s comprehensive mental health initiative for children. Rep. Dillon said the funds for KidCare were transferred during budget negotiations at the insistence of OPM Director Marc Ryan.

Rep. Dillon urged the governor to implement KidCare. "We made a commitment to Connecticut’s children and that commitment has been broken," Rep. Dillon said. "In the waning hours of budget talks, Marc Ryan insisted the dollars for the KidCare initiative be transferred. Children’s health was held hostage to other elements of the budget."

The KidCare comprehensive benefit package includes a full complement of behavioral health treatment services such as outpatient treatment, day program, home-based, and care coordination services, as well as out-of-home services such as residential center treatment, therapeutic foster care, and hospitalization. The benefit package also includes a range of non-medical support services, such as respite care and therapeutic recreation, which are often essential to allow children with behavioral health challenges to live in their homes and communities.

Representative Dillon was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984. She is Deputy Majority Whip and serves on the Public Health, Appropriations and Judiciary Committees. Rep. Dillon chairs the Health and Hospitals Subcommittee on Appropriations.