What is the program called where they would give psychiatric tests?

[Vickers]

I know it is called the Blah Blah Initiative, but I can't remember the "blah Blah" part. :P

Also, does anyone have a link to that actual wording where is says that this will be used for testing school-age children? I went to whitehouse.gov and senate.gov and didn't see that actual text (not saying it doesn't, just didn't see it).

I am trying to put together a LTTE of all the scary things on the horizon that "values" folks may be unaware of. Any other suggestions welcomed.

[Lilli]

1. A couple links for you

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p041001a.html
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/10/emw168919.htm

[Vickers]

3. A-ha! The New Freedom Initiative...thanks!

:toast:

OK, off to do some detectiving. :P

[cassiepriam]

2. Do not worry about this

Doesn't matter, Bush and his pals via managed care
have put most of the shrinks out of business.
No one left to give, or review the mental health tests,
nor to do any treatment.

[Vickers]

4. I doubt whether they care if the "professionals" used to administer

the tests are qualified or not. There will be some boilerplate test and you have to achieve some magical number, otherwise you get some drugs.

I think Illinois already passed this?

[cassiepriam]

5. yes you are right

There will be no professionals at all administering
or treating......just throw drugs at everyone.

[Flammable Materials]

6. "Operation Cookie Truck". n/t

[Bootleg]

7. Scientology is driving the rumors

All of the rumors about the New Freedom Initiative stem from one Mental Health Commission Report (http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/newfreedom-report-2004.pdf).

The claims that this is a conspiracy to hook our children on high-priced medications are being driven by representatives from the Church of Scientology. The official report does recommend early mental health screening and increased availability of treatment, including school-based treatment, but that is what mental health professionals under both Democratic and Republican administrations have been saying for years.

The Initiative's 2004 progress report (http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/summary-2004.html) talks of progress made in access to services for persons with disabilities, but does not include any indication that any of the mental health recommendations have or will be funded. Some states have implemented mental health screening initiatives on their own, but not part of this initiative.

One can agree or disagree with the recommendations of the report, but it's a far cry from a conspiracy and I am troubled about the possibility of us giving credence to the claims of Scientology here.

[Vickers]

8. Well, it isn't only the "hook 'em on drugs" angle that is worrisome

It is also the possibility of having mental health tests administered without the permission (or even knowledge) of the parents.

There are folks on both sides that think this is stupid. Our side because it gives up freedoms and smacks of big business tomfoolery, and the Repukes don't like it because they think that it can be used for (a) pre-emptive abortions :eyes:, and (b) keeping guns away from folks identified as having mental problems.

Yeah, I know the Repuke concerns are kinda out there...as I was searching for info on this, a couple of FR links popped up and I read them. Crazy!

[noonwitch]

9. A lot of the tests they use are very subjective

IQ tests like the Weschler have their uses. It helps determine a child's strengths and weaknesses, and gives an overall picture of their abilities. Like anything else, no major educational decisions should be based on one test-bright kids have problems taking tests and emotional problems and numerous other variables can affect test scores. They are very useful for determining special education needs.

Personality tests are generally part of a full psych eval. Those are the ones that can be trouble. These are tests like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). They use standardized tests to determine one's profile. I've seen various degrees of accuracy in these, but I have a bias against trying to give number values and labels to an individual's personality quirks.