Newsroom
Browse media articles that feature members of the Strengthening Families Coalition discussing behavioral health in the District.
The Washington Informer: The Fight Continues to Save School-Based Behavioral Health
June 2026 | Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. of The Washington Informer reports on how cuts to DC’s school-based behavioral health program and youth crisis response could have an impact on DC children and families. The piece features Chris Gamble of Children’s Law Center, a member of the Strengthening Families Coalition.
City Cast: As D.C. Weighs Budget Cuts, Families Fear Loss of Youth Mental Health Support
May 2026 | Emma Uber of City Cast DC reports on impending cuts to school-based behavioral health and youth crisis response, as well as terminations of existing partnerships with many of the community-based organizations that provide these services. The article features the voices of several individuals who signed on to a letter which was drafted and distributed by members of the Strengthening Families Coalition.
WAMU: Mayor Bowser’s budget proposes sweeping changes to mental health services in D.C. schools, raising concerns
May 2026 | Alex Koma of WAMU reports on the Department of Behavioral Health’s plan to terminate contracts with Community Based Organizations that provide school-based behavioral health and youth crisis response services in favor of moving the services in-house. The piece features Leah Castelaz and Chris Gamble of Children’s Law Center, Miriam Hauser of Mary’s Center, and Gracy Obuchowicz of Empower Ed, all members of the Strengthening Families Coalition.
Washington Informer: D.C.’s School Mental Health System Works — Don’t Dismantle It (Op-Ed)
March 2026 | Carolyn Greenspan, Director of the School-Based Mental Health program at Mary’s Center, authors this opinion piece outlining concerns about DBH’s proposed comprehensive plan for school based behavioral health, which includes phasing out contracts with community-based organizations like Mary’s Center.
Washington Post: D.C.’s sole mental health crisis team for kids under threat in new budget
July 2025 | Chris Gamble of Children’s Law Center is featured in a Washington Post story about a funding gap threatening to shutter the Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service, DC’s only crisis response team dedicated to children and youth.
The Washington Post: The Kids Are Not Okay, and D.C. Schools Stand to Lose Critical Therapists
April 2023 | Judith Sandalow of Children’s Law Center is featured in a Washington Post story about the lack of funding for behavioral health clinicians in DC schools.
Washington Informer: During Budget Season, Mental Health Care System Becomes Major Concern
March 2022 | Read Ward 4 PAVE parent leader Amber Golden’s feature in the Washington Informer to learn why she wants to see a School-Based Behavioral Health needs assessment across all DC schools and an increase in the clinician hiring pipeline that ensures clinicians aren’t overloaded by their work and supports finding more clinicians of color.
WJLA: DC education budget hearing lasts for more than 10 hours, dozens request more funding
March 2022 | Watch India Patrick, a Ward 8 PAVE parent leader, testify to members of the DC Council to share her experience as an educator and a mom in need of more mental health supports for her child and her students.
NBC Washington: News for Your Sunday
March 2022 | News4’s Pat Lawson Muse spoke with Tami Weerashinga-Cote of Children’s Law Center on how the pandemic has affected children's behavioral health.
WCP: DBH Questioned at Oversight About Overcrowding, Access to Treatment, and ‘Chaos’
January 2022 | Washington City Paper included testimony from Strengthening Families Coalition members who expressed the need for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to include increased investment in the School-Based Behavioral Health Program.