Calls to state's child mental health hot line on the rise

[The Straight Story]

Calls to state's child mental health hot line on the rise

By Ofelia Casillas | Tribune reporter
March 6, 2009

An Illinois child mental health crises hot line received nearly 2,000 more calls this February than a year ago after three recent suicides of children under age 12 and a public warning issued to parents by three state agencies after the deaths, officials said.

Calls to the Crisis And Referral Entry Services hot line increased to 14,071 this year from 12,419 last February, said Kendall Marlowe, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. From 2000 to 2007, the number of suicides of children between the ages of 10 and 17 has ranged from 15 to 36 each year, state figures show.

If a child poses a risk to himself or to others, or is having a mental health crisis, parents or guardians are asked to call 800-345-9049. Callers will be asked about the child's behavior and, if appropriate, the hot line will send out a crisis worker to assess the child in person through its Screening, Assessment and Support Services program.

The program can then refer parents to services for the child.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-suicide-prevent-06-mar06,0,4765957.story