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Understanding the New Medicaid Requirements and Opportunities
These measures aim to support prosperous reintegration through the early identification of physical and behavioral health care needs during incarceration and linkages to care upon release.
States can apply to access federal Medicaid funding to provide critical pre-release resources for physical and behavioral health care in corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions on Medicaid Reentry (updated January 2024)
Congress is also considering the Medicaid Reentry act, which would change Medicaid law to allow states to use federal Medicaid dollars to support transitional health care services for Medicaid-eligible people in the last 30 days of incarceration. The Medicaid Reentry act, HR 955 in the U.S. House and S.285 in the U.S. Senate, is…
Medicaid’s New Role in Advancing Reentry: Key Policy Changes
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) via Medicaid 1115 demonstration waivers. These waivers are a tool through which CMS can waive provisions of federal law for individual states, provided that the waiver serves the objectives of the…
The new law is the first change to that prohibition as the Medicare and Medicaid act’s inception in 1965, and it came in a spending bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2022. It took effect Jan. 1 this year, and requires all states to provide medical and dental screenings to medicaid- and CHIP-eligible youths 30 days before or promptly after they leave a correctional facility.Youths must continue to receive case management services for 30 days after their release.
More than 60% of young people who are incarcerated are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, according to a September 2024 report from the Center for Health Care Strategies. The new law applies to children and young adults up to age 21, or 26 for those who, like Valdez, were in foster care.
putting the law into practice, however, will require notable changes to how the country’s thousands of correctional facilities provide health care to people returning to communities, and it could take months or even years for the facilities to be fully in compliance.
“It’s not going to be flipping a switch,” said Vikki Wachino, founder and executive director of the Health and Reentry Project, which has been helping states implement the law.
of substance abuse and neglect made her unable to care for him. Valdez spent the next decade in and out of foster care and juvenile detention facilities, where he said he was often denied medical care and mental health treatment. He was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and depression, but he said he rarely received medication or therapy.
Valdez’s experience is not uncommon. The U.S. justice system often fails to provide adequate health care to youth in its custody, leading to long-term negative health outcomes. A 2016 study found that youth in juvenile detention facilities were more likely to have mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and chronic health conditions than their peers in the general population.
The lack of proper health care can exacerbate existing conditions and lead to new ones. For example, a youth with ADHD who doesn’t receive proper treatment may act out more, leading to further incarceration. Similarly, a youth with a mental health condition who doesn’t receive therapy may become more depressed or anxious, again leading to more problems.
Moreover, the carceral system frequently enough doesn’t provide the necessary support for youth to transition back into society, leading to a cycle of recidivism. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, about 70% of youth released from juvenile detention facilities are rearrested within three years.The new law aims to address these issues by ensuring that youth in state custody have access to Medicaid-funded health care services. However, as mentioned earlier, there are potential complications and challenges in implementing this law.
Valdez, now 18, is currently in a residential treatment facility for youth with mental health and substance abuse issues.He hopes to receive the care he needs to break the cycle of incarceration and build a better future for himself. But his story highlights the urgent need for the U.S. justice system to prioritize health care and support for youth in its custody.
Trauma in Texas Juvenile Justice: A Broken System
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In the heart of Texas,a shadow looms over the state’s juvenile justice system.The system, designed to rehabilitate and protect, has been found to inflict further trauma on the very children it is meant to help. This stark reality has been brought to light by the experiences of individuals like Valdez, whose journey through the system has left indelible scars.
Valdez’s story begins with a series of seizures that rendered his mother unable to care for him. Consequently, he was placed in foster care, where he faced abuse and neglect. These early experiences set the stage for a life marked by instability and hardship. A few years later, Valdez entered the Texas juvenile justice system, where his mental health struggles were exacerbated rather than addressed.
While in custody, Valdez was shuffled between facilities, often without the continuity of care he desperately needed. His antidepressant and antipsychotic medications were abruptly stopped, and his medical records were rarely transferred. This lack of continuity and support left him vulnerable to the harsh conditions of the facilities.The U.S. Department of Justice released a report in August that underscores the systemic failures within Texas’ juvenile justice system.The report claims that the state exposes children in custody to excessive force and prolonged isolation,fails to protect them from sexual abuse,and does not provide adequate mental health services. The Texas Juvenile justice Department has acknowledged these issues and is taking steps to improve safety at its facilities.
In 2024, 100% of children in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities needed specialized treatment, including for mental health issues, substance use, or violent behavior. This statistic, provided by the department, highlights the severity of the problems within the system.
Elizabeth Henneke, founder and CEO of the Lone Star Justice Alliance, a nonprofit law firm in Texas, has been a vocal critic of the system. ”Too frequently enough, our system is making people worse and failing to provide them with the continuity of care they need,” she said.
Valdez’s experience is a testament to these failures. After his release, he struggled with anger and violence, often feeling hopeless. His mental health deteriorated to the point of a breakdown in 2022, leading to his hospitalization. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and put on medication, which helped him understand the root of his struggles.
“It helped me understand that I wasn’t going crazy and that there was a reason,” Valdez said. “Ever since then, I’m not going to say it’s been easy, but it’s definitely been a bit more manageable.”
The Lone Star justice Alliance is committed to advocating for reform within the juvenile justice system. Their work is crucial in ensuring that children receive the care and support they need to heal and thrive.
For more in-depth journalism about health issues, visit KFF Health News. Subscribe to their free Morning Briefing to stay informed on the latest developments.
| Key Points |
|———–|
| seizures led to Valdez’s placement in foster care. |
| Abuse and neglect in foster care precipitated his entry into the juvenile justice system. |
| Medication discontinuity and lack of therapy in juvenile facilities exacerbated his mental health issues.|
| DOJ Report highlighted excessive force, isolation, and inadequate mental health services in Texas facilities. |
| 100% of children in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities needed specialized treatment in 2024. |
| Lone Star Justice Alliance advocates for reform and continuity of care within the system. |
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The art of Journalism: Mastering the Craft in the Digital Age
In the ever-evolving landscape of media, the art of journalism remains a cornerstone of informed society. As we delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling news pieces, it’s essential to understand the principles that guide effective journalism. Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or an aspiring journalist, mastering the fundamentals can elevate your work and ensure it resonates with readers.
The Dos and Don’ts of Journalism
Writing a piece of journalism involves more than just gathering facts. It requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a flair for storytelling.According to “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism,” there are several dos and don’ts that every journalist should keep in mind [1[1[1[1].
Dos:
- Be Objective: Strive for impartiality in your reporting. Let the facts speak for themselves.
- Verify Data: Double-check your sources to ensure accuracy.
- Use Quotes Wisely: Direct quotes can add credibility and depth to your story.
- Keep it Concise: Aim for clarity and brevity to engage readers quickly.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Sensationalism: Focus on facts, not drama.
- Don’t Assume: Verify information rather than making assumptions.
- Steer clear of Bias: Maintain an unbiased perspective to preserve credibility.
Crafting the Perfect Lead
The lead paragraph is the gateway to your story. A strong opening can captivate readers and draw them in, while a weak one can lose their interest immediately. Understanding the principles that make news writing effective is crucial. As highlighted in “How to Write News Articles: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Journalists,” a compelling lead should be engaging and informative [2[2[2[2].
A well-crafted lead typically includes the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the story. It sets the stage for the rest of the article and provides context for the reader. As a notable example, starting with a vivid description or a surprising fact can hook readers and entice them to continue reading.
Journalistic Style: The Inverted Pyramid
Journalistic style prioritizes clarity, brevity, and objectivity. The “inverted pyramid” structure is a hallmark of this style, starting with the most critical information before delving into additional details. this ensures that readers grasp the main points even with a brief skim [3[3[3[3].
This structure is especially useful in breaking news scenarios where information is time-sensitive. By placing the most crucial facts at the beginning, journalists can provide immediate context and allow readers to quickly understand the story’s essence.
Key Principles of Effective Journalism
To summarize the key principles of effective journalism, here’s a table that encapsulates the essential dos and don’ts:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|——————————————|——————————————-|
| Be objective | Avoid sensationalism |
| Verify information | Don’t assume |
| use quotes wisely | Steer clear of bias |
| Keep it concise | |
Conclusion
Mastering the art of journalism requires a blend of skill, practice, and adherence to fundamental principles. By understanding the dos and don’ts, crafting engaging leads, and employing the inverted pyramid structure, journalists can produce compelling news pieces that inform and engage readers. As the digital age continues to evolve, these timeless principles remain the backbone of effective journalism.
For more insights into journalism, visit the resources linked above. Stay informed,stay engaged,and keep writing!
The Art of Journalism: Mastering the Craft in the Digital Age
In the ever-evolving landscape of media, the art of journalism remains a cornerstone of an informed society. As we delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling news pieces, it’s essential to understand the principles that guide effective journalism. Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or an aspiring journalist, mastering the fundamentals can elevate your work adn ensure it resonates with readers.
The Dos and Don’ts of Journalism
Writing a piece of journalism involves more than just gathering facts. It requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a flair for storytelling. According to ”The Writer’s digest Guide to Journalism,” ther are several dos and don’ts that every journalist should keep in mind.
Dos:
- Be Objective: Strive for impartiality in your reporting. Let the facts speak for themselves.
- Verify Data: Double-check your sources to ensure accuracy.
- Use Quotes Wisely: Direct quotes can add credibility and depth to your story.
- Keep it Concise: Aim for clarity and brevity to engage readers quickly.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Sensationalism: Focus on facts, not drama.
- Don’t Assume: Verify details rather than making assumptions.
- Steer clear of Bias: maintain an unbiased perspective to preserve credibility.
Crafting the Perfect Lead
the lead paragraph is the gateway to your story. A strong opening can captivate readers and draw them in, while a weak one can lose their interest immediately. Understanding the principles that make news writing effective is crucial. As highlighted in “How to Write News Articles: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Journalists,” a compelling lead should be engaging and informative.
A well-crafted lead typically includes the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the story. It sets the stage for the rest of the article and provides context for the reader. As a notable example, starting with a vivid description or a surprising fact can hook readers and entice them to continue reading.
Journalistic Style: The Inverted Pyramid
Journalistic style prioritizes clarity, brevity, and objectivity. The “inverted pyramid” structure is a hallmark of this style, starting with the most critical information before delving into additional details. This ensures that readers grasp the main points even with a brief skim.
This structure is especially useful in breaking news scenarios where information is time-sensitive. By placing the most crucial facts at the begining, journalists can provide immediate context and allow readers to quickly understand the story’s essence.
Key Principles of Effective Journalism
To summarize the key principles of effective journalism, here’s a table that encapsulates the essential dos and don’ts:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|————————– |————-|
| Be objective | Avoid sensationalism|
| Verify information | Don’t assume |
| use quotes wisely | Steer clear of bias |
Conclusion
Mastering the art of journalism requires a blend of skill, practice, and adherence to fundamental principles. By understanding the dos and don’ts, crafting engaging leads, and employing the inverted pyramid structure, journalists can produce compelling news pieces that inform and engage readers.As the digital age continues to evolve, these timeless principles remain the backbone of effective journalism.
For more insights into journalism,visit the resources linked above. Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep writing!
