Nevada PEP

On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice completed their investigation and issued a report with findings that Nevada’s children with behavioral health disabilities are being unnecessary institutionalization in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   

On the same day, Governor Sisolak’s Press Release acknowledged the findings, “For far too long, Nevada has not invested in the appropriate health resources for our children and our families – this new report shines a bright light on that fact. That’s why, over the last year, the State of Nevada has used newly available federal resources to make historic and unprecedented investments to shore up these systems and provide immediate resources and relief to our families and children who need community based behavioral health services.”    

Karen Taycher, Executive Director, Nevada PEP calls on parents and youth to share their voice and experience to guide improvements, “Children with mental health care needs and their families have struggled for many years to access the community-based services that reduce the need for hospitalization or residential care.  This report will drive the necessary systemic improvements, and we commend the recent steps that the State and Governor Sisolak have taken to invest in community-based services such as family peer support, care coordination, respite care, and mobile crisis.  Yet we know that there is more work to be done, Nevada families and youth who have experienced the system look forward to informing and engaging in Children’s Mental Health transformation.”    

To get involved in system transformation activities contact Kendra Gipson (kgipson@nvpep.org)  from our Statewide Family Network program at Nevada PEP.   

May 13, 2022 – Our condolences to the family and friends of Julie Beckett.  In the early 1980’s Julie a tireless advocate for children with disabilities, as the determined mother fought the federal bureaucracy for coverage of her daughter’s in-home medical costs, referred to as the Katie Beckett Waiver.  Her advocacy has and continues help hundreds of thousands of children grow up with their families rather than in hospitals and institutions.  Julie’s legacy lives on in each and every family that benefits from her passion.  

May 15, 2022 – Paula F. Goldberg will be remembered as a champion for children with disabilities and a mentor to parent centers across the country. We join with all who knew her to mourn her loss. Paula co-founded PACER in 1977 under her leadership, PACER has provided the resources, information, and training to help thousands of families navigate education, mental health, and medical systems so that their children with disabilities receive the services and supports they need. Paula was also instrumental in the founding of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, which actively leads social change to prevent childhood bullying and keep youth safe in their schools, communities, and online. A respected leader in the parent center network, Paula supported the development of parent centers across the country and served as a mentor for many center directors.

Paula was an extraordinary individual with incredible vision. We will miss her spirit, compassion, and wisdom.