Each May, we recognize National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, a vital moment to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being in our youngest community members. Mental health is just as essential as physical health, yet for many children—especially those who’ve experienced trauma, instability, or separation from family—access to mental health support can be limited or delayed.
At CK Family Services, we believe that early intervention, family support, and compassionate care can make all the difference in a child’s future.
Why This Matters
According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children experiences a mental health disorder in a given year. That number climbs when children are impacted by foster care, grief, abuse, neglect, or other trauma. These challenges can lead to struggles in school, difficulty forming relationships, or behaviors that seem hard to understand.
But beneath those behaviors is a child asking for help.
When children feel safe, seen, and supported, their chances of healing and thriving increase dramatically. That’s why awareness isn’t enough—we must respond with action, advocacy, and access.
How CK Family Services Is Supporting Mental Wellness
Through our Behavioral Health Services (CKBH), we provide a range of supportive programs that meet kids where they are, including:
- Life Skills Training: Helping children develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and healthy social behaviors
- Wrap-around case management to connect families to needed resources
- Personalized strategies based on the child’s needs and developmental stage
- Support for families and caregivers: Equipping adults with the tools to understand and support the mental health needs of the children in their care.
What You Can Do
- Normalize the conversation. Talk about mental health in everyday ways. Let children know it’s okay to ask for help.
- Be observant and responsive. Emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or changes in sleep or appetite could be signs of distress.
- Encourage positive relationships. A strong bond with a caring adult is one of the biggest protective factors in a child’s mental health.
- Advocate. Speak up for policies and programs that increase access to mental health support for children in your community.
We Are in This Together
Mental health is a community responsibility. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, foster parent, or neighbor—you have a role to play in helping children feel safe and supported. Together, we can create a future where every child is mentally strong, emotionally supported, and deeply valued.
Let’s use this month not just to spread awareness, but to build a culture where children’s mental health is a priority every day of the year. To learn more, visit www.CKBH.org.
