During the past few weeks local media have provided extensive coverage on the case of a 13-year-old sexually aggressive child. The boy was recently released from a state institution and placed in a local, temporary foster home while a permanent home was sought.

While there are many sensational aspects of this case, there has been little focus on services that need to be provided for children if these situations are to be avoided. This is particularly important in that the Washington State Legislature is now meeting and considering cuts in the very mental health and social service programs that should be strengthened if we are to better serve these children.

The downturn in our national economy is having a serious effect on state revenue. While this will pose a serious challenge for the legislature, community mental health and child welfare services must be protected. This is not only the right thing to do; it also makes economic sense.

Let’s look at one area of the state DSHS budget, community health. Gov. Locke’s budget request to the legislature is recommending a three percent cut to community mental health programs. This $4.65 million reduction in state mental health funds will also cost us federal Medicaid matching dollars in a similar amount. Thus, the total loss to our state’s community mental health program will be $9.4 million. How will this cut affect service for seriously disturbed children?

Mental health care is effective. Improved medications, more comprehensive service and efforts to reduce stigma are supporting many people in our community that in earlier times would have required long term institutional care. With reductions in what is an already under-funded system, we will see more of our children headed toward jails or living on the street. Is this the way to serve our children?

Island County is fortunate to have effective and efficient public mental health services provided by Island Mental Health. Many of these families and children also need chemical dependency treatment services as provided by Catholic Community Services. Comprehensive child welfare programs with a range of residential and foster care options must also be available. These programs provide needed care for our most vulnerable children and adults. These are safety net programs!

We must encourage the legislative delegation from our area to continue to fight for full funding for mental health and other human services. This approach not only makes economic sense; it is the right thing to do.

Jere G. LaFollette, an Oak Harbor resident, is chief executive of Associated Provider Network in Mount Vernon.