This working paper provides a broad overview of sources of funding (and their policy roots) that underwrite children's behavioral health services illuminating the flaws and prospects of various policy choices. It aims to stimulate debate that will bring about changes that put financing in the service of better mental health, social functioning and educational well-being for children and youth with behavioral health problems and those at-risk and their families. It concludes with recommendations for policy action to create and sustain a support federal and state fiscal environment