Are the Kids Alright? 2004
Distributed by Fanlight Productions, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Karen Bernstein and Ellen Spiro
Directed by Karen Bernstein and Ellen Spiro
DVD, color, 57 min.
College - Adult
Psychology, Education, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 12/09/2005
Reviewed by Carolyn Walden, Mervyn H. Sterne Library, University of Alabama at Birmingham“In the United States, one in ten children and adolescents suffer from severe mental illness. It is estimated that one in five receive specialty mental health care.”These quotations are just two of several facts emphasized in this video documentary describing the mental health crisis in Texas where an estimated 2/3 of children do not receive the care they need. Although this documentary film highlights the severity of mental health care for youth in Texas, the information is probably indicative of the climate and culture in other states in regard to mental health treatment for youth.
The video features the stories of Cesar, Jeremy, and Antonia who are affected in their care by the lack of funds in the Texas budget for mental health. Cesar, a young boy, is severely depressed but there are no beds for his hospitalization. Jeremy, who suffers from violent outbursts and possible bipolar disorder, is unable to receive treatment because of the expense of psychiatric care. To alleviate this and help Jeremy receive treatment, his father seeks to relinquish his rights as a parent. Antonia, who also suffers with depression and receives in-home treatment, is being raised by her grandmother but has difficulty adjusting to an absent mother with drug addiction problems. Antonia tries to commit suicide by cutting her wrists and later overdoses on Zoloft.
Interspersed with these stories are the national statistics documented by compelling research facts printed in black and white with animation and effective guitar background music. Some facts are viewed in silence for greater effect. The sequence of the documentary is such that the viewer is unaware in the beginning that the individual stories will be followed to illustrate progress and show how each case has been affected by the system. This peaks interest, informs, and touches hearts. The many voices that speak--the youth affected by the crisis, parents, professionals in mental health, and legislators-- allow a personal and comprehensive view combined with information about the reality of mental health care in Texas. Viewers also see an actual discussion of the Texas Youth Commission in a commitment hearing, listen to the words of a judge as a parent tries to relinquish his rights, watch a budget hearing, and attend a Mental Health Lobby Day with impassioned speakers who are sincere advocates for mental health services. The actual budget hearing with comments from the legislators gives the political perspective.
The quality of this video is comparable to other outstanding psychological video documentaries available from Fanlight Productions. It is a valuable addition for collections in Psychiatry, Psychology, Health Sciences, and Education. Highly recommended!
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