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VTCC - Improving the mental health of
children, adolescents and families of Virginia

WHO WE ARE

We are your friends, your neighbors and colleagues working together to enhance the mission of the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and pediatric mental health through advocacy, public education, and program support. We are volunteers that share a common goal – Ensuring the best and brightest future for children with mental illness and their families.

WHAT WE DO

Promote: The Advisory Council serves as a statewide voice to improve public understanding of child and family mental health issues.
Provide: Financial and in-kind support is provided by the Advisory Council to enhance the programs and services of VTCC.
Pursue: The Advisory Council monitors state and national childhood mental health issues and pursues development of a broad range of services for children and families.

HOW WE DO IT

We provide community forms and public education on child mental health.
We testify before legislative committees on child mental health issues.
We support and encourage mental health research.
We provide support for the 10th Street Mental Health Players.
We sponsor community education conferences bringing together members of the legal and mental health systems.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Help us help children and their families by joining the VTCC Advisory Council.
Support our mission with your corporate or personal donation
Offer in-kind, fund raising, volunteer staff, and technical support.
Participate with the VTCC Advisory Council on special one-time projects.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

We offer a wide-range of information on child mental health
As a 501 (c) 3 organization, your financial contributions are tax-deductible.

ABOUT VTCC

Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Virginia

The chronic underfunding of child, adolescent and family mental health services, and a related undersupply of specialized clinicians creates a scarcity of children's mental health services around the Commonwealth.

• 202,000 children in Virginia suffer from a mental health disorder causing significant functional impairment.

• Virginia ranks 12 th among the 50 states in per capita income, but 37 th in per capita spending on mental health.

• 24% of Virginia 's population is under the age 18, but only 10% of the state's expenditures on mental health go to children and adolescents.

• There is a severe shortage of Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists nationally and in Virginia .

There is little doubt that the state of mental health for children in Virginia - and across the nation - is appalling. But one organization is taking the lead in addressing this critical shortfall – The Virginia Treatment Center for Children at VCU Medical Center .

We invite you to learn more and join us in this important endeavor – helping children soar above the challenges of mental illness and take flight toward a healthy future.

Virginia Treatment Center for Children at VCU Medical Center

Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1956 with a three-part mission: clinical care, research, and training in child and adolescent mental health throughout the Commonwealth.

In 1991, VTCC became the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division in the Department of Psychiatry at the VCU Medical Center . Today, VTCC continues its mission of service, research, and training and is a leading provider of child and adolescent mental health services in Virginia .

Who Does VTCC Serve?

VTCC provides services for children and adolescents ages 4 through 17 who need outpatient and intensive inpatient mental health care. We also work with the child's parents or guardians to promote a successful course of treatment from which the whole family will benefit. We provide inpatient crisis stabilization and outpatient care for children regardless of their parents' ability to pay. In fiscal year 2007, VTCC provided acute inpatient treatment to approximately 450 children, and our clinicians had more than 2,600 outpatient visits. Children served by VTCC come from counties and cities throughout Virginia .

The Facility and Location

VTCC is currently located on the campus of the VCU Medical Center in Richmond , Virginia . The facilities are outdated and inadequate. Frequently, children who require inpatient care – those with the most severe problems – cannot be admitted due to a shortage of beds. And the wait time for outpatient treatment can be months. A new building is needed to accommodate the growing needs of the children of Virginia and to allow for better use of this downtown property.

VTCC Advisory Council

Children come to VTCC with many needs that our budget can't supply. Our facility often needs upgraded equipment, games and toys so we can better serve our patients. The VTCC Advisory Council, formed in 1987, is a separate 501(c)(3) organization that works to promote the mental health of children and families through advocacy, public education and by providing support for VTCC programs.

How Can You Help?

It is critical to resolve the crisis in child and adolescent mental health care in Virginia and nationally. You can help by partnering with VTCC to reach out to underserved areas and assist more children in need. Please contact Delores Richards-Madikiza to find out how you can support VTCC through the Advisory Council. Call 804.828.1123 or email drichards-madikiza@mcvh-vcu.edu to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of Virginia's children and families.