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What is a serious emotional disturbance (SED)?
SED includes a range of behavioral and emotional disorders severe enough to limit or interfere with a child’s ability to function in the family, school or community.
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Raising a child is not easy. If a child has a serious emotional disturbance (SED), every step toward adulthood can be an uphill climb. For any family or single parent, the climb can seem overwhelming. So it's not unusual for parents of children with SED to feel alone, helpless, and uncertain about which way to turn.
The Children’s Mental Health Program is a partner in the development of a community-based System of Care for children with SED and their families. The program provides services and supports that increase the capacity for children with an SED and their families to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their community.
In communities throughout Idaho, caring people are coming together to help children with SED and their families make life's journey a little easier. This "system of care" is made up of individuals representing public and private organizations, such as mental health, education, business, juvenile justice, and parent advocacy groups.
For more information about the Idaho System of Care and services and support available in your area, call the Idaho Care-Line by dialing 211 or 1-800-926-2588 or your local Health and Welfare office.
You can also contact the Idaho Federation of Families, an Idaho-based support organization for families with children affected by SED calling 1-800-905-3436.