National concern for the mental health of children and youth as well as that of their parents and caregivers is growing at a time when our traditional system of clinically trained providers continues to shrink. We need solutions that directly equip parents and non-traditional community partners with mental wellness tools that are flexible and adaptable to community-specific needs. Children's Wisconsin is leading in innovative ways to address these challenges.

From 2016-2023, diagnosed anxiety in adolescents rose 61% while diagnosed depression increased 45%. Even more concerning, 61% of youth who needed treatment in 2023 struggled to access it. The demand for mental health services continues to outpace availability, leaving too many children and families without the support that they need.

As an Implementation Consultant for the Triple P– Positive Parenting Program in Wisconsin, I hear about these challenges every day. But I also get to hear about solutions that work. 

Our partners at Children’s Wisconsin have been implementing an innovative strategy to address the children and youth behavioral health assessment waitlist challenge.  ‘Intakepalooza’ has consisted of dedicated intake days where hundreds of triaging sessions have been conducted. The result – almost 1/3 of families seen needed other services and supports and did not actually need a behavioral health assessment and were successfully linked to other supports. They can come off the waitlist and assure that the children most in need of treatment were linked. 

The families coming off the waitlist have benefitted from an array of other services, with many being linked to Triple P, the Positive Parenting Program. Triple P is an evidence-based initiative that equips parents, guardians, and caregivers with practical tools to support their children’s well-being. Over four decades of global research and more than 200 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its success in reducing behavioral issues and strengthening family dynamics.

Triple P is not a “one-size-fits-all” model. It offers varying levels of support, from online courses parents can take at their own pace to one-on-one coaching group seminars. The goal is simple: right place, right time, and right amount.

Addressing children’s mental health is not a partisan issue. In the last state budget, Republicans and Democrats came together to fund critical access to Triple P, making it available online. Their investment has already made a tangible impact, ensuring that more families receive the help they need and cut back on the waitlists that have left far too many families struggling on their own.

The challenges facing Wisconsin’s youth continue to grow and demand for services remains high. Maintaining funding for evidence-based programs like Triple P is not just the right thing to do – it is a strategic investment in our future.

We know that parents and caregivers play a profound role in shaping the health and well-being of their children. With the right support, they can create a stable, nurturing environment that allows children to flourish. We have already seen the success of programs like Triple P, and with continued investment, can build on this momentum.

The bipartisan support shown in the state of Wisconsin’s last budget cycle was a significant step forward. Let’s ensure that every parent and caregiver in Wisconsin has access to the resources they deserve.

Courtney Towne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a former administrator of children’s behavioral health programs. She has been partnering in supporting the Triple P model in Wisconsin for nearly 10 years.