Albany, NY – In a review of interagency coordination between State agencies on complex cases involving youth in crisis, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) hosted a Youth in Crisis Roundtable discussion in Albany today to assess the effectiveness of current State policy, and explore modifications to better support vital services for youth facing multifaceted crises.
New York’s children are facing growing and multifaceted mental health issues that demand coordinated action. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, one in five children in the United States are in need of heightened mental health/behavioral services1
. Here in New York, as of 2024, nearly one quarter of all children aged 3 to 17 had one or more behavioral, developmental, or mental health diagnosis, with anxiety and depression
among the most common conditions. Among teenagers, the picture is equally concerning, a 2023 survey found that 48% of teens experienced depressive symptoms, ranging from mild to severe Further, three-quarters of all mental health and substance use disorders emerge by age 24, underscoring the urgency of early, coordinated intervention.
. “When our children are in need, we cannot afford to have them fall through the cracks between agencies,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. This roundtable brought together community leaders and representatives from across the State agencies and my colleagues in government, because no child is the same in the possible services they need. The goal today was to provide real examples of situations where our children need services and how our interagency coordination is working, where it may need changes, and what policy changes we need to ensure our youth receive the comprehensive services and support they need in order to thrive.” This year’s roundtable brought together a broad coalition of State agency leaders, legislative colleagues, and local representatives committed to strengthening the systems that serve New York’s youth in crisis. State agencies in
attendance included the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Children and Family Services, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the New York State Education Department. Assembly Committee Chairs joining Assemblywoman Buttenschon included Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the Committee on People with Disabilities; Jo Anne Simon, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health; Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Committee on Children and Families; and Michael Benedetto, Chair of the Committee on Education. The roundtable also welcomed local representatives, including Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, Oneida County Agency Leadership, Family Court Justice the Honorable Judge Caldwell, and Rome Health President and CEO AnneMarie Walker-Czyz, along with additional members of the State legislature. Together, participants reviewed existing policies governing interagency coordination and identified gaps where modifications could strengthen the continuum of care for youth in crisis.
A consistent champion for youth mental and behavioral health initiatives, Assemblywoman Buttenschon previously convened State agency and local leaders, advocates, and legislative colleagues during the 2024 legislative session for a similar roundtable focused on expanding the State’s supply of supportive youth housing facilities. This year’s roundtable builds on that foundation, with an increased focus on the policies and procedures
that govern how local and state agencies communicate, coordinate, and share responsibility for the service provision and care of the most complex youth cases.
“Only by working together can we help to ensure that no child in crisis is left without the services they need,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “Cooperation and clear communication are essential, and as I look forward to continuing this important work, I would like to thank Judge Caldwell, Commissioner Thompson, Director Bolton, Sheriff Maciol, and Senator Griffo, my colleagues, state agency leadership, and all those who attended today for providing the expertise and insights necessary to help further
coordinate and improve upon the vital services available for our youth in crisis.”
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly represents New York’s 119th Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as the Towns of Floyd, Deerfield, Marcy, and Whitestown. From a lifelong educator and former Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College, to a small family farm owner, Buttenschon brings decades of experience advocating for equity, access, and opportunity across public health, education, agriculture, and emergency services. In the Assembly, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Small Business and as a member of the Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she champions bipartisan solutions to improve quality of life. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every family in her district and beyond can live with dignity,
support, and a voice in their future.
