This paper explores the issue of how to develop a greater level of integration across the continuum services to young people with mental health difficulties. Reference is made to the strategic guidance offered by key documents and a pilot project is described, which attempted to link services across providers including a specialist Child and…

Notes that mental health services have been a weak link in Head Start. Addresses the need to enhance mental health services by describing a successful, innovative university-Head Start partnership. Describes the model and provides advice for Head Start programs to expand and enhance their mental health services. (SD)

A former mental health counselor and managed-care case manager provides insights on dealing with managed care organizations. Offers suggestions on how mental health counselors can develop working relationships with case managers, do treatment planning, submit claims forms, and resolve disputes. (Author/JDM)

This article presents a comprehensive strategy framework for integrating mental health, child welfare, education, substance abuse, and juvenile justice system services. It proposes an infrastructure of information exchange, cross-agency client referrals, a networking protocol, interagency councils, and service integration models. This…

The study was designed to identify hearing impaired persons (3-21 years old) with emotional disturbances and to examine assessment and intervention approaches. Questionnaires and behavior checklists were completed by 116 public and private agencies serving school age hearing impaired students. Among findings were the following: Ss generally felt…

This document reviews how schools and providers of school-based mental health programs have implemented managed care contracts with Medicaid managed care organizations. Observations were made at three sites (Albuquerque, NM; Baltimore, MD; New London, CT) where school-based mental health services were provided by Medicaid organizations. Following…

Several sources have suggested that the efficacy of existing mental health care delivery systems might be extended through appropriate collaboration between self-help groups and mental health professionals. There are, however, few published reports of successful collaboration between professionals and self-help groups. This paper presents a…

The book defines and discusses eight key elements of a family-centered approach to care for children with chronic illnesses and special health care needs: (1) recognition that the family is the constant in the child's life, while the service systems and personnel within those systems fluctuate; (2) facilitation of parent/professional collaboration…

Describes the Wyoming Infant Stimulation Program (WISP) and its numerous collaborative activities with federal, state, and local agencies including the Agricultural Extension Service and maternal and child health programs. Notes that successful collaboration was informal and involved cooperation on specific, discrete joint projects responding to…

Explores why mental health has been a contested issue in Head Start and describes recent efforts to bring mental health closer to the center of the program agenda. Describes areas of challenge and innovation that might further the program goal of improving the well-being of parents and children in poverty. Concludes with recommendations for…