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1992.02.24 :  Head Start Mental Health Volunteers

Contact: Bill McPherrin (202) 245-2760
February 24, 1992
     
        HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., today announced a
new Head Start initiative with the American Psychological
Association to make available volunteers to provide free mental
health services to children, families and staff of Head Start
projects.
        "Mental health services are an integral part of America's
Head Start program," said Secretary Sullivan.  "APA psychologists
can advise and assist Head Start children and their families in
developmental screening and assessments; provide special help for
children with atypical behavior; advise in the utilization of
community resources and referrals; and conduct workshops and
support groups for parents."
        HHS' Administration for Children and Families created an
initiative under which APA volunteers were invited to work with
local Head Start programs to provide free mental health services
to children, families and staff.  To date, the response to the
effort has been outstanding, with nearly 500 psychologists
expressing interest in volunteering their services.  
        "From a psychologist's perspective, it is hard to think
of any better preventative against social problems than an
investment in Head Start," said Bryant L. Welch, J.D., Ph.D., APA
executive director for professional practice.  "The APA and Head
Start together are reaching out to support our nation's youth
through this new volunteer program of mental health services."  
        For more than 27 years, the Head Start program has been
regarded as one of HHS' most successful early childhood
development programs.  Currently, the program provides
comprehensive developmental services to more than 600,000
preschool children from low-income families.
        Anyone interested in volunteering services as a
psychologist to Head Start may write to:  Head Start/APA
Initiative, Head Start Bureau, Administration for Children and
Families, Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 1182,
Washington, D.C. 20013.

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