Message About Some Recent Issues with Children’s Services

July 14, 2021

“I have been working with our agency partners across child-serving agencies over the past couple of weeks to come together on an aligned message to distribute to our networks of stakeholders to underscore the need for unprecedented care collaboration related to the psychiatric bed crisis and reduction of residential beds in our Commonwealth. Please see attached for this message, and we ask that you distribute this to your members and networks. While we work with our teams to take action, we also appreciate that words matter. Our intention with this message is to send a communication of unity around working together to support the youth we serve during this difficult time. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership,”

Alyssa M. Ward, Ph.D., LCP
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Behavioral Health Clinical Director