April 20, 2015 The Honorable Patty Lopez California State Assembly, 39th District State Capitol, Room 5160 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SUPPORT FOR AB 260—Foster care: parenting youth. Dear Assemblymember Lopez: NAMI California is pleased to support AB 260, which would declare that a child whose parent has been adjudged a dependent child of the court shall not be considered at risk of abuse or neglect solely on the basis of information concerning the parent's placement history, behaviors, health or mental health diagnoses, or any other circumstances, occurring prior to the birth of the child. NAMI California is the state’s organization of the country’s largest mental health advocacy organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Our 19,000 members and 62 affiliates include people living with serious mental illnesses, their families and supporters. NAMI California advocates on their behalf, providing education and support to its members and the broader community. NAMI California believes that no child should be separated from a parent solely on the basis of either the parent’s or the child’s serious mental illness. Family support can be integral to recovery, and mental illness should not be equated with violence or dangerousness. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is low. In fact, "the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small." More often, people living with mental illness are the victims of violence. Specifically, a parent with serious mental illness should not be presumed unable to care for a child or children solely on the basis of his or her diagnosis of mental illness. Instead, wraparound services should be provided, including mental health services and social services. Parents with serious mental illness in dependency proceedings must be eligible for reunification services, and the court system should provide specialized services to families affected by serious mental illness. Parents who are being treated for mental illness in an in-patient setting must be provided with visitation opportunities with their children, if desired, in order to preserve the parent-child relationship. In-patient treatment should also offer parenting services and services for children impacted by serious mental illness in their family. For these reasons, we support AB 260 and urge its passage. If you have questions, please contact Kiran Savage-Sangwan, NAMI California Legislation and Public Policy Analyst at (916) 567-0163 or [email protected]. Sincerely, 1850 Heritage Lane, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 567-0163 phone (916) 567-1757 fax Jessica Cruz, MPA/HS Executive Director NAMI California Kiran Savage-Sangwan Legislation and Public Policy Analyst NAMI California 1850 Heritage Lane, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 567-0163 phone (916) 567-1757 fax