Childrens Mental Health discussed at state capitol

In Missouri, about 15 out of every 100,000 teens died by suicide last year, that’s compared to only ten out of 100,000 nationally, according to the United Health Foundation.Missouri state representativesare looking to reduce that number. On Tuesday House members discussed a bill which would allow unaccompanied minors to enter into their own mental health care contracts.Mary Chant is the executive director of the Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies. She supports the bill and says it will combat the serious situations unaccompanied minors face.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Patricia Pike. She is a former school counselor.