Urge your legislators to join the Children's Mental Health Campaign and fellow advocates, providers, and families on Thursday, April 17th for a rally at the State House to speak out against Governor Healey's proposed cuts to the Department of Mental Health's Child and Adolescent Line Item in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Overview of Governor Healey's proposed cuts to the Department of Mental Health’s Child and Adolescent Services line item (5042-5000) in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget:

$23.56 Million in proposed cuts to line item 5042-5000, including: 

• $15.3 M in cuts to intensive psychiatric residential treatment programs. This would result in a 50% reduction in beds at this level of care for youth with the most serious behavioral health needs in the state.
• $6.7 M in cuts to community-based programs that help keep children in their homes and communities including services that help divert youth boarding in emergency departments.
• $1.83 M in cuts to case management services for child, youth, and family services. Approximately 50% of the youth case management workforce, serving around 200 children.

Any reduction in funding for the DMH child and adolescent services would jeopardize access to crucial mental health support for young people in need.

Event Details 

Thursday, April 17th 

1:00p - Gather at the State House front steps with fellow advocates, providers and families. 

2:00p - There will be a brief speaking panel in State House room 437 before we begin visiting legislative offices.