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Summary
Published in 2006, this review surveys major findings gleaned from studies about the evidence base for mental health care and about related class action law suits. The review also outlines steps that will improve the mental health services delivered to children and youth in foster care.
Why mental health?
Between one-half and three-fourths of the children entering foster care exhibit behavior or social competency problems that warrant mental health care. This rate is significantly higher than that which typically occurs in the mainstream population.
A child's psychosocial functioning also affects decisions made by caregivers and child welfare professionals regarding the child's exit from foster care. For example, children with poorly treated mental health disorders may be less likely to be reunified with their families or adopted.
Recommendations
This review explains a series of changes for child welfare policy and services:
- Increase access to care
- Move beyond usual outpatient and institutional care
- Increase the use of evidence-based interventions
- Use evidence to improve practice and policies
Acknowledgements
This report was prepared for Casey by scholars and professionals from Children’s Hospital and Duke University: John A. Landsverk, Ph.D.; Barbara J. Burns, Ph.D.; Leyla Faw Stambaugh, Ph.D.; and Jennifer A. Rolls Reutz, M.P.H.