City of Jefferson, Missouri, (KMIZ)
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has proposed $3.5 million to increase the number of youth behavioral health professionals statewide.
According to the initiative, funds will go to 27 professionals to “help young people at risk get the treatment they need.”
Parson’s proposal was announced in a state address Wednesday. Parson invited youth behavior expert Farrin Thornton, along with Leah Crawford and her daughter Jewel.
According to Parson’s speech, Leah Crawford took Jewell to see Thorton when she noticed a change in Jewell’s behavior.
Parson said in his speech that Crawford realized Jewel “carried so much anger and hatred” when she made the decision to enlist Thorton’s help.
“It’s a very important thing…I think when a child feels as comfortable with someone as you know, they let go of what’s making them angry,” Crawford said. It can be as fast as you feel that connection and say it out loud so that anger will slowly dissipate it was as easy as she said it out loud .
Jewell told ABC 17 that talking to Thorton was comforting and that talking to her made him feel better after a stressful day.
Thorton said she was grateful for the opportunity to share Jewel’s story and Parson’s support for social workers.
“We already have great local behavioral health contact programs. We were able to welcome you in,” Thorton said.
Thorton knew from the age of 12 that she wanted to be a social worker. Thorton said she was in her foster care from age 7 to 11 and was adopted at age 12.
Thorton said the state needs more social workers and advises anyone interested to contact their local community agent to find out how they can get involved.
“I am so grateful to Governor Parson for his support, his continued support, and his recognition of the importance of mental health to our youth and suffering,” Thorton said.
Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) said the state’s Democrats supported the proposal.
