Why Can't We Fund Mental Health Programs In America?

In the wake of Jennifer Crumbley's conviction for involuntary manslaughter related to her son Ethan's tragic school shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, the nation is forced to confront a pressing question: Could this be a watershed moment for parental responsibility in America? Tony Brueski, host of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, delved into this complex issue with psychologist John Delatorre, exploring the implications of a verdict that might just reshape the legal and moral landscape surrounding the actions of parents and guardians. The conversation between Brueski and Delatorre, both insightful and probing, shed light on the nuances of a case that has gripped the nation's conscience. Delatorre remarked on the verdict, expressing a lack of surprise but highlighting the potential anxieties it could spark among parents nationwide. "Some parents may take this to mean that they have to raise their children to act a certain way, or else they themselves, the parents, will be found guilty of whatever crime their child has committed," he explained, suggesting a shift towards a more vigilant form of parenting. The dialogue ventured into the territory of what this precedent-setting case means for both past and future instances of similar tragedies. While Delatorre doubted the feasibility of revisiting past cases due to statutes of limitations, he acknowledged the profound importance of parental involvement. "The only thing that you should be taking from this as a parent is that you need to be thinking through. You're not your job is not to be a friend," he emphasized, advocating for a proactive approach to addressing children's mental health and behavioral issues. Brueski and Delatorre discussed the practical challenges many parents face in accessing mental health resources for their children. Delatorre pointed to systemic barriers, such as socioeconomic disparities and systemic racism, that hinder families' ability to secure the necessary support. He argued that community involvement and political advocacy are essential for bringing about change, urging parents to seek help from schools and community mental health agencies and to support political candidates who prioritize mental health access. However, the conversation also touched on the immediacy of mental health crises and the limitations of existing resources. Delatorre proposed that explaining economic hardships and other realities to children in developmentally appropriate ways could foster understanding and strengthen familial bonds, potentially mitigating the risk of tragic outcomes. Yet, Brueski expressed concern over the capacity of some parents to navigate these discussions effectively, highlighting the gap between the ideal of proactive parenting and the reality faced by many families. The discussion culminated in an exploration of broader societal changes needed to support parents and prevent future tragedies. Delatorre underscored the importance of policies that increase wealth equity and ensure the funding of mental health services, pointing to political decisions as a critical factor in the availability of community support. As the conversation concluded, Brueski and Delatorre left readers with a thought-provoking question: In a society grappling with the aftermath of a school shooting and its implications for parental responsibility, what steps must be taken to ensure that all parents have the resources and knowledge to foster healthy, safe environments for their children? The Crumbley case may have set a legal precedent, but it also serves as a clarion call for a more supportive and proactive approach to mental health and parenting in America. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com