GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS ANNOUNCING A NEW CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE.

THE IDEA IS TO EVALUATE CURRENT PRACTICES AND MAKE IT EASIER FOR FAMILIES TO ACCESS THE SUPPORT THEIR CHILD NEEDS SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

THE EFFORT WILL BE LED BY CHILD WELFARE EXPERT DANA WEINER (wine-er) AND INVOLVES SEVERAL STATE AGENCIES.

AREAS TO BE EXAMINED INCLUDE ELIGIBILITY FOR LEVELS OF CARE, BARRIERS TO PROGRAMS AND THE NEEDS OF KIDS WITH VARIOUS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONCERNS. A REPORT IS DUE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.