U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This report to Congress promotes the aggressive use of research-based mental health interventions, combined with a public health approach that addresses the mental health needs of children on a societal, rather than just an individual, basis. It describes opportunities for implementing evidence-based programs to reach families in need, and summarizes evidence that specific programs are strengthening the care-taking skills of parents and guardians, and enhancing child resilience.
The report notes that half of all diagnosable mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75 percent begin by age 24. It examines the need to clearly communicate the societal benefits and cost-effectiveness of investing in prevention and resilience, the importance of developing evidence-based practices that maximize program efficacy, and the benefits of developing a coordinated assessment and accountability system. Free. 76 pages. (877) 726-4727, http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/SVP-0186.pdf.
