In 2003, President Bush created the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health which outlined a plan to move forward in increasing early intervention and screening for children and adolescents. The report suggests that no single body 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 thanks to the constant contact teachers have with their students. The report also suggests that because mental health is so closely intertwined with academic success, teachers play a vital 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 the most vulnerable and potentially disadvantaged populations with better opportunities to engage parents and the community in services. In order to provide adequate services, treatment and interventions in schools, aspects such as the stigma attached to receiving mental health services must also be addressed so that students feel comfortable obtaining treatment. The other need is also to provide teachers and counselors in schools with adequate 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 its coverage to preventative mental health coverage. This coverage would include depression screenings for adults and behavioral screenings for children and adolescents. In addition to that, the President announced that the 2014 federal budget will include $130 million to help teachers identify signs and risk factors of mental illness in their students, and r... middle of paper... ., 67-75. doi:10.1007/s10826-012-9686-xSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). According to the report, 20% of US adults have suffered from mental illness in the past year. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1211273220.aspxThe National Academies. (2009). Preventing mental, emotional and behavioral disorders among young people: progress and possibilities. ().The Secretariat. (2011). The global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response by the health and social sectors at national level. ().Breakthrough community programs. (2011). Prop. 63/MHSA makes a difference!. Retrieved April 1, 2014, from http://www.tpcp.org/news/27World Health Organization. (2004). Effective interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and summary report on policy options. (). Geneva, Switzerland: