In the midst of a nationwide youth mental health crisis, Chicago’s crisis response systems are buckling. One example: Illinois’ system for youth on Medicaid is overtaxed, with limited follow up options — dangerously few pediatric beds in psychiatric hospitals and 6-month waitlists for outpatient care. Families are left to coordinate care solely on their own.
Meanwhile, many children continue to come to school in crisis, and the conversations on care largely center around reaction instead of prevention.
