New efforts are underway to improve child health care in Rockland County.

Officials are trying to do more to battle problems like child obesity and psychiatric care for kids. Harriet Cornell, chair of the Rockland County Legislature, recently held three hearings in which top health officials made recommendations for health care improvements.

A 13-page report was compiled from the hearings and sent to top officials on the local and state levels. The report addresses issues such as childhood obesity, oral health and improved communication between children?s health care professionals.

Another key recommendation made by the group focuses on children placed in psychiatric centers. At Rockland Psychiatric Center, there are about 54 beds for children needing hospitalization. The group says that number is too low considering the high number of young psychiatric patients. The study group hopes the new report will force change.