The HELP4WV program, which provides assistance for any West Virginia resident who may be struggling with addiction or mental health concerns, has announced the addition of a new “Child Crisis Line.”
“This helpline is a great resource for parents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said during a Monday, Dec. 7, media-briefing. “Many children are struggling from not being able to see their friends as much, to having to participate in remote learning, or just the change to their normal schedule. The helpline is a great tool for parents who may be concerned about their child, and it gives them a resource to find answers to their questions, and to find additional resources.”
The Child Crisis Line is the result of a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Behavioral Health and First Choice Services. The intention of the children’s crisis and referral line is to act as a means of intervention should a behavioral health crisis arise, and to connect children and families with behavioral health services. .
According to a statement released by the W.Va. DHHR, “An added service of HELP4WV substance use and mental health support, the Children’s Crisis and Referral Line connects families and youths with crisis and non-emergency behavioral health services. In crisis situations, the line links families with regional Mobile Crisis Response and Stabilization Teams who can help de-escalate the behavioral health crisis by phone or respond in person in most areas of the state if the family chooses. The line also serves as an access point for referrals to non-emergency behavioral health services in the caller’s community.
BBH funded the Children’s Crisis and Referral line with a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to keep children and youths thriving in their homes, schools, and communities. It aims to help prevent out-of-home placements and emergency room visits due to mental health concerns.”
The Children’s Crisis and Referral Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-844-HELP4WV. (1-844-435-7498)
“Families, children and young adults are experiencing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis,” Christina Mullins, Commissioner of the DHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health, said. “This new Children’s Crisis and Referral Line can serve their behavioral health needs so they can stay safely in their homes, schools and communities.”
Lata Menon, CEO of First Choice Services, added, “We are excited to offer this much needed new service to children and families. While navigating resources can be challenging under the best of circumstances, in a crisis, it can be nearly impossible. Our HELP4WV Specialists are available 24/7 to assist callers of all ages in finding the best behavioral health and addiction resources based on their unique needs. The addition of Child’s Crisis resources to our network creates an opportunity for youth, their loved ones and community professionals to access information and referral with one call.”
According to the DHHR’s statement, “In addition to the new Children’s Crisis and Referral Line as part of HELP4WV, First Choice Services is the call center for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Help304 Emotional Strengthline, Jobs & Hope WV, WV211, WV Tobacco Quitline, and Problem Gambling Help Network of WV. Call agents are trained on the needs of callers across lines.”
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