One of our goals includes support of pediatric and adolescent intake facilities, particularly those in areas where minors must go to mental health/substance abuse hospitals as the general hospitals do not offer pediatric/adolescent psychiatric admission services.

When children experience problems due to their illness, such as in cases when they are a danger to themselves or others, or if they are having a problem with a prescribed medication, the need for hospitalization may arise. As many illnesses had by FKMAD children fall under the "mental health" category, they may need a psychiatric unit. Hospitalization of this type is an area of our focus.

Some areas have fantastic hospitals, but sometimes those same hospitals do not offer psychiatric services for children and adolescents. In these areas, if admittance is deemed necessary by the family, physician or another figure (such as a police officer), children may have to go to a crisis unit or mental health/substance abuse hospital. One concern families have is the environment of such facilities. Sometimes the hesitation is due to the unknown and how society may have judged these places in the past. Fortunately, many of the facilities are well run and staffed by caring, concerned medical and support staff. Below you will see some ways our organization can help support these facilities that take care of our children when a crisis arises, which in turn provides a more supportive experience for families.

Click here for more information on how a family can be prepared and succeed in a time of crisis or a hospitalization.

Ways in which FKMAD may provide support for families and facilities: