Behavioral health services, including treatment for substance use disorders, are included as essential health-care services under private health insurance and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148). Other options for many children and families include federally funded programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program or early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. The Family First Prevention Services Act provides funding for behavioral health services to prevent children from entering foster care. Find resources in this section related to the various Federal and State legislation related to the provision of behavioral health services for children and youth in child welfare.
Addressing Children’s Mental Health
Takkunen & Zlevor (2018)
National Conference of State Legislatures
Summarizes Federal and State actions implemented to mitigate the consequences of untreated mental health conditions among children and youth.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration
Explains how the early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) requires collaboration between public health, families, managed care organizations, pediatricians, and other health providers. The EPSDT program is the child health component of Medicaid. It is designed to improve the health of low-income children by financing appropriate and necessary pediatric services.
Find a Program or Service
Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse
Rates several services and treatments designed to address mental health and substance use disorders in terms of their efficacy and evidence base according to title IV-E requirements.
How Can Medicaid Services and Plans Address Vulnerable Children’s Health Care Needs?
Casey Family Programs (2019)
Compiles a series of webinars detailing the role of Medicaid in funding and addressing the significant physical, behavioral, and social needs of child welfare-involved children and youth.
The Intersection of Medicaid and Child Welfare (PDF - 267 KB)
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (2015)
Details the strengths of and concerns about the provision of behavioral health services to children and youth in child welfare through Medicaid benefits.
Laws and Regulations
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Outlines Federal laws and regulations that provide guidance related to the behavioral health service provision..
| Series Title | Factsheets |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 453KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2019 |
Mental Health Benefits: State Laws Mandating or Regulating
National Conference of State Legislatures (2015)
Summarizes the three types of laws enacted by States to regulate the coverage of mental health services by health insurance organizations.
State Behavioral and Wellness Resources for Children and Families
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Links to information and services that support the mental and behavioral health and wellness of children and families, provided on State behavioral health websites in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.