New poll from The Children’s Agenda spotlights parent concerns on youth mental health

by Natalie Kucko

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In the midst of an ongoing mental health crisis nationwide, The Children’s Agenda, a locally based nonprofit, has released a new poll taking a deep dive on parents’ concerns surrounding youth mental health.

In the nonprofit’s third poll of its kind, 600 parents from the Rochester area and across Monroe County were surveyed.

Tianna Johnson is a parent advocate, and his three children of her own, who she says have struggled with a response to these needs.

“We’re dealing with crises. We’re dealing with things that are not being supported and it can leave scars on families that not everyone is able to bounce back from,” said Johnson.

The latest poll found two out of five parents say their child has struggled with their mental health since returning to the classroom. And, only one out of four parents say their child is receiving some form of emotional or mental health counseling.

As Gov. Hochul has earmarked one billion dollars toward mental health initiatives in this year’s state budget, local leaders say more needs to be done.

“The best way you can address it is by getting our policymakers to release the funding and to change the laws that need to change to allow access in every school building to mental health supports, training for culturally responsive peer navigators and peer supports. We need all hands on deck,” said Larry Marx, CEO of The Children’s Agenda.