January 21, 2026
Congress released a bicameral, bipartisan appropriations bill for health and human services programs that would continue funding for mental health and substance use prevention and treatment programs. The bill reinforces the need for stability in mental health care funding after the Department of Health and Human Services recently cut billions in federal mental health grants before reversing course following pushback from the public and lawmakers.
At a time when children’s mental health needs continue to grow nationwide, access to community-based care is more important than ever. While most federal mental health funding flows through large, general programs, targeted initiatives are essential for delivering specialized, developmentally appropriate care.
Children’s mental health programs should never be politicized. Your voice is needed to give kids the care they need.
Right now, children’s mental health programs are caught in a political back-and-forth—putting children’s well-being at risk. Congress has advanced a bipartisan funding proposal, but final appropriations must be completed by January 30. Until that happens, critical programs remain vulnerable to disruption.
Tell Congress: Finalize funding and protect children’s mental health—no more chaos.
These investments help keep families safely together and promote child well-being, including:
- The Children’s Mental Health Initiative, which helps communities build coordinated, family- and youth-centered mental health services.
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, which expands access to outpatient and residential services during and after pregnancy.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network supports trauma-informed resources for children experiencing violence, maltreatment, disasters, and other serious stressors.
While funding is an important step, children and families also need stability.
Congress’s appropriations directives reinforce that federal agencies may not unilaterally eliminate or consolidate programs outside the appropriations process. Strengthening and enforcing guardrails is essential to prevent future disruptions.
As Congress negotiates final funding ahead of the January 30 deadline, children’s mental health must remain a top priority.
Sign the petition to urge Congress to protect child and family mental health investments and strengthen guardrails that keep these supports stable and accessible.
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