The Head Start community has recognized that the mental health program has been a weak spot in the program's comprehensive services strategy. A brief telephone survey of 101 programs identified the services most desired and resulted in recommendations for strengthening this aspect and making the program a laboratory for innovative practices. (SLD)

Describes a nationally recognized service program that delivers integrated mental health and substance abuse services to children and youth with a wide range of problems. The model incorporates elements of primary and secondary prevention and community outreach into service delivery. Program components are discussed in detail. (RJM)

Strategies for the adaptation of Head Start for the economic and social conditions of the future involve the linkage of early childhood and family support approaches with community economic development. Such strategies must include a reappraisal of mental health models to ensure the health of children and their families. (SLD)

Describes a program which draws on interagency collaboration, principles of care, needs assessment, and other components to create a community-based system of care. Presents the rationale for each of these components and how they were implemented, data on the children and families served by the program, and a case study. (RJM)

Describes the progressive development of a five-year, school-based, systems change initiative for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities and their families. The program integrates mental health, education, and other family-focused services into a more flexible system. Discusses evaluation data in the context of the systems change…