Child well-being is important for community and economic development in the city. Young children with strong mental health are prepared to develop crucial skills that help build the basis of a prosperous and sustainable society. When DC ensures the healthy development of members of the next generation, they will pay that back through productivity and responsible citizenship. Unfortunately, not all children in the District of Columbia get the healthy start they deserve, with too many lacking the services they need to stay mentally healthy. A critical challenge that city leaders need to address is an overall shortage of mental health services for children in low-income families and a severe shortage in some parts of the city in particular. (Contains 1 figure, 2 footnotes and 16 endnotes.)