The Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Commission (OAC) asked United Advocates for Children and Family to present information on the unique issues surrounding children, their families and housing. At the OAC's meeting on November 21 in Sacramento, Sandra Duval, Gwen Slattery, Diane Schively, and Vickie Mendoza told their stories and the stories of families that they have worked with.

Children and families have largely been ignored in the discussion of housing for the mentally ill. Yet, children with a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance can cause their families to lose their housing. UACF's presentation demonstrated the ways that families become homeless and the types of help that families need.

UACF is also working with the Department of Mental Health on this issue. The Department has put together a Committee to focus specifically on Children and housing. Their first meeting was at the end of October. That meeting demonstrated the need for more research to find successful models that can be replicated to provide stable housing for children and their families. The Committee will be meeting again to continue their work.

Additional stories of housing issues related to a child's mental illness are needed. If you would be willing to share your story, please contact Vickie Mendoza at UACF (916) 643-1530 Ext. 103 or vmendoza@uacf4hope.org.

A copy of UACF's presentation to the OAC is available on the website

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