In this component of the evaluation, the Circles of Care grantees assessed the feasibility of their model systems of care. The goal of the Feasibility Assessment was to assure that each model system of care was well designed with careful consideration of project goals, community resources and readiness, cultural competence and measurable outcomes.

This factsheet discusses the goals and principles that govern the development of culturally competent mental health programs for children and adolescents and their families. Principles include: (1) the family is the consumer and usually the focus of treatment and services; (2) Americans with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds may have a unique set…

Such factors as values, traditions, customs, institutions, language, kinship systems, beliefs and skills are highly pertinent to the providing of mental health services. The report reveals allegations of serious abuse of cultural relevancy in serving Native Americans, questions what Native American mental health is and how it differs from…

This monograph provides a philosophical framework and practical ideas for improving service delivery to children of color who are severely emotionally disturbed. The monograph targets four sociocultural groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans). The document emphasizes the cultural strengths inherent in…

This theme issue of a bulletin on family support and children's mental health focuses on managed care and the impact on children who are in need of mental health services. Articles include: "Private Sector Managed Care and Children's Mental Health" (Ira S. Lourie and others); "Just What Is Managed Care?" (Chris Koyanagi);…

While California has evolved the elements of a strong and responsive mental health service delivery system based on a statutory partnership among the executive office, local jurisdictions, and citizens, many groups of persons in need of mental health services remain underserved. Such is the plight of the racial/ethnic minority people, whose…

This monograph for health care professionals considers the impact that chronic illness and disability have on youth and their families and provides information on adapting principles of family-centered care to promote resilience in adolescents and their families. The monograph stresses the need for community systems of comprehensive services…

If early childhood systems are to be effective at the population level then they must be able to provide family-centered care to all the racial, ethnic and cultural groups that they serve. Despite major policy driven and technological advances in healthcare, health disparities across different races and ethnicities persist. For example, the infant…