The behavioral health needs of children and families are a priority service concern within the Division of Children's Mental Health Services. Statewide by providing allocations and technical assistance to develop the most appropriate services within all communities in West Virginia. A subset of this group of children showing emotional problems can be considered Severely Emotionally Disturbed.
Research now supports the fact that poverty has a direct link to emotional disorders.
The priority areas of focus are consumer and family involvement, Service System Enhancement, Community Education and Awareness and Monitoring. The primary funding comes from the Federal Block Grant which is submitted every three years to the Center for Mental Health Services. State funding is also received from the legislature for general appropriations for services resulting from mental hygiene commitments and to maintain activities required by state law. The Division of Children's Mental Health is located within the Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, Office of Behavioral Health Services. The address is 350 Capitol Street, Room 350, Charleston, WV 25301-3702.