January 30, 2004

The Honorable Pete Sessions
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

I am writing on behalf of the 150,000 members and affiliates of the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest association of psychologists worldwide, to express support for the Family Opportunity Act of 2003. We thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of families of children with disabilities. Given that funding for this bipartisan, bicameral bill is available under the current budget, we urge you to continue to press for House and Senate passage of the bill this year. Likewise, we will continue to urge your colleagues for swift enactment.

For more than four years, APA has supported the Sessions-Waxman and Kennedy-Grassley sponsored Family Opportunity Act, as it would enable middle-income families of children with disabilities to access the Medicaid program. Research has shown that providing children with disabilities access to mental health services helps to prevent negative outcomes, such as educational failure and juvenile delinquency. Medicaid benefits would also promote family stability, early intervention, and access to medically necessary services.

Child and family concerns are especially important to our membership. Seven of APA's divisions and significant elements of the organization's governance structure are devoted specifically to children and child development. The work of psychologists has played a pivotal role in our society's understanding of the social, emotional, and physical development of children and youth. In particular, APA members have a long history of involvement in conducting research and providing treatment to children with mental disorders. APA has long supported efforts to increase access to needed child health and mental health services.

As an organization that shares your commitment to children and families, we applaud your continued sponsorship of the House version of the Family Opportunity Act since 2000. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Cotter, M.A., of our Public Policy Office at (202) 336-5668.

Sincerely,

Henry Tomes, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Public Interest

CC: Texas State Psychological Association

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