EDITORIAL: Heed second lesson from Newtown

In the wake of the Newtown school tragedy, there was focus on two responses — gun control and improving mental health care.

Peer classes held for mentally ill

MERRILLVILLE | The Lake County National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering a 10-week class for mentally ill patients who are under the care of a psychiatrist or therpist.

DCS continues to roll out program to provide mental health services to youth

INDIANAPOLIS | Twenty-five Indiana children are receiving mental health services as part of state officials' pledge to close a funding gap, said an Indiana Department of Child Services official.

Pence signs six laws championed by region legislators

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Gov. Mike Pence has signed 25 proposals approved by the General Assembly into law over the past two weeks, including six measures primarily sponsored by Northwest Indiana legislators.

Indiana mother, son recall tortuous journey to secure mental health services

When R.D. Riley was 3 years old, his therapist told him he would become a mass murderer, the boy and his mother recall.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Urge Congress to OK bills on mental illness

With national elections over, our country faces many challenges and many possible paths forward. Whatever your political ideology or personal leanings, I ask you to join the fight for smart, efficient, cost-effective legislation for mental health care services throughout our nation so all Am…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Medicare Part D is healthy for Hoosiers

Indiana is fortunate to be home to a biopharmaceutical industry that is healthy for Hoosiers. The industry creates new technologies for medical treatment as well as a significant number of local jobs.

Mentally ill talk about their experiences

Tammy Timm is a study in contrasts, even when she's simply walking.

GUEST COMMENTARY: DCS's solution still fails to offer immediate help

After months of feeling consumer pressure, the Indiana Department of Child Services suggests launching a pilot program to address children with mental health issues. Under intense media pressure and parents testifying to the legislative study committee, the department tosses millions of dol…

Child welfare advocates question state's plan for children in need

While many child welfare advocates said Indiana's plan to close the gap in mental health services for children is a step in the right direction, others fear the proposal is nothing more than "blowing smoke."

Advocates urge Legislature to return 'safety net' to law relating to children

INDIANAPOLIS | Crown Point resident Jill Garner battled emotion Monday as she testified before a legislative committee about her struggle to secure appropriate mental health services for her 12-year-old son.

Federal inspectors expected at Lake County jail next month

CROWN POINT | Lake County Sheriff John Buncich will be receiving federal jail inspectors next month for their fall review of inmate health care and safety concerns.

GUEST COMMENTARY: You can recover from mental illness, substance abuse

All around us in Northwest Indiana, people are in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. These individuals contribute to our businesses, connect with their families and give back to the community. But if we want more people to join them on the path to recovery, then we n…

Class offered for parents of children with mental illness

PORTAGE | The Porter County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will sponsor the NAMI Basics Education Program, specifically for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness.

Legislative committee to discuss unmet mental health needs of children

INDIANAPOLIS | A legislative commission slated to discuss the unmet mental health needs of Hoosier children will have its first meeting Aug. 27.

Legislative committee to look at DCS issues

INDIANAPOLIS | On Aug. 22, the General Assembly's interim study committee on the Indiana Department of Child Services will convene the first in a series of meetings to discuss the state agency's policies and procedures.

Decision may affect parents, children with mental illness

A recent Indiana Court of Appeals opinion could affect how judges handle cases involving some parents of children with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.

Parents advised to 'abandon' children in order to secure mental health services

It was the hardest letter John ever had to write.

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Officials: Mentally ill children who don't get help can end up in criminal justice system

A developmentally disabled Crown Point teen was handcuffed by police and taken to the juvenile detention center after ramming a broom handle into his parents' bedroom door.