Youth in Foster Care Seek Reform for Psychiatric Facility Admissions

A young Alaskan girl's journey through psychiatric facilities highlights the need for reform within the state's child welfare system. Tali Stone, who was only nine years old at the time, found herself placed in North Star, a psychiatric facility in Anchorage, due to behavioral issues with her foster mother. The facility, described by Stone as resembling a prison, became her home for four weeks on her first admission and subsequently three more times over the next two years.

Systemic challenges within Alaska's Office of Children’s Services (OCS) contribute to unnecessary placements in acute psychiatric facilities. OCS faces significant hurdles such as insufficient resources, high staff turnover, and a shortage of foster families. In 2022, the Department of Justice criticized Alaska for its excessive reliance on psychiatric hospitals and residential treatments. While improvements have been made since then, advocates argue that children remain in these facilities longer than necessary due to a lack of suitable alternative placements. Amanda Metivier, director of the nonprofit Facing Foster Care, notes that although intake assessments lead to diagnoses, children often linger in these settings far beyond what is needed.

Efforts are underway to address these concerns through legislative action. A proposed bill aims to expedite court hearings for children admitted to psychiatric facilities from 30 days to just seven days, a timeframe still exceeding the 72-hour standard seen in many other states. If passed, this legislation would ensure all stakeholders—birth parents, foster families, tribes, healthcare providers, and OCS—are present during hearings. Additionally, every child over ten years old would be assigned their own legal representation to advocate for less restrictive care environments. State Representative Andrew Gray, sponsor of the bill, emphasizes both the ethical and financial urgency of passing the measure, pointing out the exorbitant costs associated with keeping children in expensive inpatient care. Advocates hope this reform will bring swift assessments and appropriate interventions, ensuring that no child remains trapped in an overly restrictive setting without due process. Tali Stone, now 19, shares her personal struggles stemming from her experiences but remains hopeful about the future, urging others to support the cause so that current and future foster children receive the care and understanding they deserve.

Reforming systems that impact vulnerable youth is not merely a matter of policy—it is a moral imperative. By prioritizing timely interventions, fostering supportive environments, and ensuring equitable access to resources, society can help transform the lives of countless children navigating complex challenges. Empowering them with love, respect, and opportunities ensures they grow into resilient individuals capable of achieving their full potential.