Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 1, 4.
Dr. Joy Osofsky testifying at Congressional hearing in D.C. (Congressional photo)
Dr. Joy Osofsky, Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Public Health, Head of Division of Pediatric Mental Health, and Ramsay Endowed Chair in Psychiatry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, was an invited witness at the U.S. Senate hearing of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
The hearing was held on June 8 in Washington, and the topic was, "Why Are So Many American Youth in a Mental Health Crisis? Exploring Causes and Solutions."
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (L) from Louisiana is the Ranking Member and Senator Sanders (R) is the Chair of the HELP Committee. Sen. Cassidy invited Dr. Osofsky to testify. (Photo courtesy of Congress.)
Also testifying was Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Mrs. Katherine Neas, the Deputy Assistant Secretary with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education; Mrs. Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, Commissioner with the Connecticut State Department of Education; and Dr. Joshua Garcia, Superintendent with Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma, Washington State.
Dr. Osofsky was the expert in mental health, and, besides the Surgeon General, the other witnesses were in education.
"I was invited by Senator Cassidy from Louisiana who is the Ranking Member and Senator Sanders who is the Chair of the HELP Committee," said Dr. Osofsky. "It was quite an experience!"
In her testimony, Dr. Osofsky said:
"Since 2016, we have had the opportunity to work with Senator Cassidy to identify and support community and state agencies that can work individually and collaboratively in supporting the mental health needs of children and families including cross-state efforts. We have been pleased to support his efforts to increase mental health support in schools and communities.
"The Bipartisan Safe Communities Act and SUPPORT Act would expand community based behavioral health services and access to mental health care services in schools and communities in both rural and urban areas. This Act would also provide funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to improve trauma informed training, treatment, and services for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma."
Dr. Osofsky also testified about the "Effects of Trauma on Youth," saying:
"Youth are exposed to trauma in many ways, for example, experiencing abuse and neglect, exposure to domestic violence, substance use, and community violence. Youth are also exposed to natural and technological disasters and, in the past 3 years, to the COVID-19 pandemic with its many effects on children and families, including parental and caregiver loss. There is much evidence that exposure to trauma affects development in different ways. For very young children, exposure to abuse and neglect can impact on their brain development. For all children, their cognitive, social, and emotional development can be affected by abuse and neglect (Center for the Developing Child at Harvard, 2023).
"Many studies have shown that children who are exposed to adverse life experiences (ACEs) early in their lives are at significant risk for developing serious and long-term problems, both medical and psychological, later in development. Trauma-informed and trauma-responsive interventions and evidence-based mental health treatments have been developed to help youth who have been exposed to trauma. It is crucial to recognize that recovery from trauma and development of resilience with meaningful, consistent relationships which means that parent and caregiver availability and support, in addition to mental health services, will help children and adolescents recovery from trauma exposure and also support resilience (Masten, 2021).
"The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased risk of mental health problems for several reasons. Children of all ages, including adolescents, are likely to develop well with consistency in their schedules, positive relationships with a parent or caregiver in a supportive environment, and, as they grow older, consistent peer relationships. Few of these positive supports for youth development were in place during the COVID -19 pandemic."
Dr. Osofsky (on the right) was the expert in mental health, speaking about the effects of trauma on children. Besides the Surgeon General, the other witnesses were in education. (Photo courtesy of Congress.)
Dr. Osofsky covered topics of "The Mental Health Impact of Natural and Technological Disasters on Youth Compared to the COVID-19 Pandemic," "Integrating Mental Health Support in School and Community Settings," and "Providing Mental Health Support in Collaboration with Community Groups."
Her complete verbal and written testimony, and the testimony of the other witnesses, can be found at: https://www.help.senate.gov/hearings /why-are-so-many-american-youth-in- a-mental-health-crisis-exploring- causes-and-solutions
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