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As @WFSUNews and @HealthNewsFL are airing a series on the Baker Acting of kids in Florida, an update. The latest report from DCF is out. During the 2018-19 FY, a 5% jump in youth Baker Acts. New figure: 37,882 kids sent for involuntary paychiatric exams.
@FASRO' exec. Director Tim Enos said something that has stuck with me. "Students, because they're hurting so bad, they want others to know they're hurting." When I see this number. I think of people like @LeonSchools' Hartsfield Elm. Principal Rhonda Flanagan...
Dr. Flanagan said, "I see a lot of unaddressed needs. I see a lot of missed opportunities. I see a lack of priorities...for funding programs that can make a difference."
I chose this issue because last year, my nephew, who has ADD, ADHD, Oppositional Definace Disorder AND has endured a LOT of trauma in his 9 years of life, was almost Baker Acted.
The principal called and told us that we had better beat the police to the school. He was out of control. In full meltdown. His teachers couldn't calm him. The teachers couldn't calm him. He was out of control. I know schools are struggling. We too have struggled as a family.
My nephew has gone through things no child should. To Baker Act him...I can't even begin to think about. He already goes to weekly therapy. So when I see nearly 38k kids Baker Acted, I see 38,000 Jayden's (my nephew).
