Policy Advocacy

The Strengthening Families Through Behavioral Health Coalition has long advocated for the District to fully invest in and effectively implement the School-Based Behavioral Health Program (SBBH) to help meet children’s behavioral health needs. Learn more about what SBBH is and how it works.


Proposed Comprehensive Plan

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025, the DC Council required the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to submit a comprehensive plan outlining the Department's strategy for strengthening and improving the School Based Behavioral Health Program. On November 5th, 2025, the DC Council’s Committee on Health held a public roundtable on the comprehensive plan submitted by DBH. Below are testimonies submitted by members of the Strengthening Families Through Behavioral Health Coalition for this roundtable, which outline concerns around DBH’s proposal. All testimonies can be found on the Council website.

Prior Budget Advocacy

See budget letters and other budget advocacy materials from the Strengthening Families Through Behavioral Health Coalition over the last several years.

Together, our advocacy results in real wins for DC children!

Here’s How to Get Involved

Join our Coalition

Contact your Councilmembers