In 2003, President Bush created the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health which outlines a plan to move forward in increasing intervention early and screening for children and adolescents. The report suggests that no single agency or organization is responsible for the mental health care of children and adolescents. However, schools and teachers are best placed to provide support to young people because of the constant exposure teachers have with their students. The report also suggests that because a person's mental health is so closely linked to their academic success, teachers play a critical role in identifying warning signs and connecting students to services (Hogan et al., 2003, p.58). These school-based services have the potential to reach more vulnerable and potentially underserved populations with greater opportunities to engage parents and the community in services. In order to provide optimal services, care, and appropriate interventions in schools, issues such as stigma related to receiving mental health services must also be addressed so that students feel comfortable seeking care . The other necessity is also to provide teachers and counselors in schools with the appropriate training and support based on evidence-based practices (Mills et al. 2006, p.155). In 2010, President Obama announced that the Affordable Care Act would expand coverage. coverage of preventive mental health care. This coverage would include depression screenings for adults and behavioral screenings for children and adolescents. In addition to this, the president announced that the 2014 federal budget would include $130 million to help teachers identify signs and risk factors for mental illness in their students, and...... middle of paper..... ., 67-75. doi:10.1007/s10826-012-9686-xSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). According to a report, 20% of American adults have suffered from a mental illness in the past year. Accessed March 20, 2014, from http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1211273220.aspxThe National Academies. (2009). Preventing mental, emotional and behavioral disorders in young people, progress and possibilities. ().The Secretariat. (2011). Global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response from the health and social service sectors at national level. ().Turning Point Community Programs. (2011). Prop. 63/MHSA makes a difference!. Accessed April 1, 2014 from http://www.tpcp.org/news/27World Health Organization. (2004). Synthesis report on effective mental disorder prevention interventions and policy options. (). Geneva, Switzerland: