As of now as I write this post, I have not received any information on how the CANS (Children and Adolescent Needs Strengths) information will be private and confidential on the "virtual gateway" under the new Children's Mental Health law in Massachusetts. However, I have one tidbit that concerns me. I don't understand why the CANS labels 18-21 years old as "adolescents," when they are in fact, adults. The only possible exception would probably be for those individuals with certain physical, cognitive or psychiatric disabilities who are deemed incompetent by the court and would need decisions to be made for them. I don't know if advocates for these groups would approve such a condescending label for this population.
(Please note, the term, "Jerry's Kid", is offensive for those individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD)over the age of 18 years old. Individuals with MD despise being called this term. There are many people in this population who are fully competent and productive citizens in society).
I am wondering what can be done to advocate that individuals over the age of 18 years be called adults and not "adolescents" under the CANS. Talking Heads needs to know that these adults can decline to take the CANS period! If they are competent and not a danger to themselves or others, nothing can be done to force someone to take the CANS.
What do you think?
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
www.therapistsforchange.blogspot.com
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