School-based “wellness” programs are not sufficient for treating youth who have mental illness or serious conduct disorders. These children require treatment by mental health professionals; that is, psychiatrists and/or psychologists. A child who is diagnosed with a mental health condition may receive some of these services through his/her school district if the district qualifies her/him for special education services. However, a youth who has serious behavioral issues is sometimes labeled by the school district as having a “conduct disorder” rather than an “emotional disturbance” and, therefore, does not qualify for special education services. Too often the only “support” offered to these youth is additional training of the classroom teacher; that is, training on how to try and manage extreme and sometimes violent behaviors while simultaneously addressing the needs of all the other students in the classroom. Conduct disorders are more prevalent in males. Not surprisingly, these boys are often socially isolated and prone to using inappropriate coping techniques such as violent video games. These boys grow into angry young adults. I hope Santa Clara County’s Department of Education will seek the advice of and partner with the youth mental health professionals of our community to develop school-based programs which provide the treatment that some of our youth so desperately need.

There are 6.1 million public school students in California so $50 million ain't a whole lot.