In Texas, nearly 900 children are currently on a waitlist for the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver program, a vital mental health initiative designed to support children and families in need. This program offers intensive mental health services as an alternative to placing children in foster care, aiming to keep them within their homes and communities.
Understanding the YES Waiver Program
Launched in 2015, the YES Waiver program provides families with a team of specialists who deliver various behavioral health services. These services include adaptive support, specialized therapies, and minor home modifications. The program is highly valued because it allows children to continue attending school, participating in sports, and staying with their families, rather than being placed in institutional settings.
Growing Demand and Challenges
The demand for the YES program has surged in recent years. In 2023, 3,109 children sought assessments for the program, marking a 53% increase from 2019. Despite this rising demand, the number of children served has declined, with 2,227 enrolled in 2023 compared to 2,826 in 2019—a 21% decrease.
A significant factor contributing to this decline is a shortage of providers. Between 2020 and 2023, the program lost 386 providers due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates, which are often half of what providers receive in the private sector. This shortage has led to longer wait times for services, particularly affecting rural areas.
Impact on Families
The shortage of mental health services has profound effects on families. Some parents, like Nidia Heston, have faced difficult decisions. Her son, Quin, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, autism, and ADHD. When his mental health deteriorated, the family sought help through the YES program. After a month of waiting, during which Nidia slept on the couch to monitor Quin’s safety, they were approved for the program. Nidia expressed relief, stating, “I could finally surrender myself to help.”
Advocacy and Solutions
Advocacy groups are actively working to address these challenges. Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Texas, Texans Care for Children, and the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council have called on lawmakers to approve funding to expand critical services, including the YES program. They propose allocating $61.9 million in 2026 and 2027 to enhance mental health services for children.
Additionally, there is a push to make crisis services, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and home-based services reimbursable through Medicaid. This initiative aims to improve access to mental health care for youth and reduce the burden on families.
Conclusion
The nearly 900 Texas children on the waitlist for the YES Waiver program highlight a critical need for accessible mental health services. Addressing provider shortages and securing adequate funding are essential steps toward ensuring that all children receive the support they need to thrive within their families and communities.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.