WHEREAS, In 2005, the Department of Social and Health Services
estimated that there are over 74,000 children and adolescents in
Washington State who are in need of mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Seattle Children's Home has stayed true to its mission of
providing comprehensive mental health and developmental services to
children, adolescents, and their families since its inception on April
3, 1884, by members of the Ladies Relief Society including Louisa Denny
and Sarah Yesler; and
WHEREAS, Since 1884, Seattle Children's Home has evolved from an
orphanage to a child welfare agency to a comprehensive mental health
facility for children and young adults; and
WHEREAS, Seattle Children's Home currently provides an array of
services for the families and children in Seattle, King County and the
State of Washington including: Outpatient therapy, treatment and
assessments; a behavioral support team to aid families caring for
children with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges;
multisystemic therapy, an evidenced-based family centered and
community-based treatment system designed to significantly reduce rates
of rearrests and incarceration among youth involved in the juvenile
justice system; and 21 percent of the children's long-term inpatient
program (CLIP) psychiatric care at the McGraw Residential Facility;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
recognize April 3, 2009, as Seattle Children's Home Quasquicentennial
Day.