Public Policy

Working with Legislators for Change

The SHINE Initiative works with legislators to develop public policy changes that will positively impact both the quality and quantity of mental health services.

The SHINE Initiative is a proud member of the Children�s League of Massachusetts and the Children�s Mental Health Campaign, which is a coalition of children�s health care providers and advocates from across the State of Massachusetts including: Children�s Hospital Boston, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), Health Law Advocates, Health Care for All, and the Parent Professional Advocacy Leagues (PPAL).

Essentially, the Campaign is a collaborative political effort to change the laws effecting children�s mental health care and through its dedicated efforts was able to gain enough clout, recognition and support to pass two major pieces of legislation ��The Act Relative to Children�s Mental Health� that provided greater access to services and the �Mental Health Parity Law� that assures that mental health is treated equally and in the same way as physical illness.

In a report released by the Campaign, it was estimated that �100,000 children did not have access to the mental health care they need due to shortages of mental health professionals , cost and insurance barriers and a complex system that made it difficult for families to find appropriate care, compounded by the stubborn stigma of mental Illness� - Denterlein.

Working with our colleagues to create a strong political voice that assures and advances the right to �equal mental health care and services � for children and young adults, is a welcomed opportunity for the SHINE Initiative.

We Need Your Support

Please make a 3-5 year pledge to help support the SHINE Initiative's ability to advocate for positive changes to mental health public policy. Please donate any amount you can.






	Public Policy Working with Legislators for Change The SHINE Initiative works with legislators to develop public policy changes that will positively impact both the quality and quantity of mental health services. The SHINE Initiative is a proud member of the Children�s League of Massachusetts and the Children�s Mental Health Campaign, which is a coalition of children�s health care providers and advocates from across the State of Massachusetts including: Children�s Hospital Boston, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), Health Law Advocates, Health Care for All, and the Parent Professional Advocacy Leagues (PPAL). Essentially, the Campaign is a collaborative political effort to change the laws effecting children�s mental health care and through its dedicated efforts was able to gain enough clout, recognition and support to pass two major pieces of legislation ��The Act Relative to Children�s Mental Health� that provided greater access to services and the �Mental Health Parity Law� that assures that mental health is treated equally and in the same way as physical illness. In a report released by the Campaign, it was estimated that �100,000 children did not have access to the mental health care they need due to shortages of mental health professionals , cost and insurance barriers and a complex system that made it difficult for families to find appropriate care, compounded by the stubborn stigma of mental Illness� - Denterlein. Working with our colleagues to create a strong political voice that assures and advances the right to �equal mental health care and services � for children and young adults, is a welcomed opportunity for the SHINE Initiative. We Need Your Support Please make a 3-5 year pledge to help support the SHINE Initiative's ability to advocate for positive changes to mental health public policy. Please donate any amount you can.