Program targets children's mental health services

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Officials with Indiana's Department of Child Services say they're pleased with a pilot program that's designed to provide mental health services for children in need.

The Times in Munster reports the state launched the program in mid-November in southeastern Indiana and expanded it to Elkhart and St. Joseph counties in January.

DCS deputy director of services and outcomes Lisa Rich says 19 children have been referred to the program so far.

The program allows school officials, community members, judges, probation officers, prosecutors and public defenders to refer children who need mental health services to a community mental health center access site. The site evaluates children's levels of need.

DCS pays for services for eligible children whose families don't receive Medicaid, or whose private insurance won't cover the cost.