In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General declared a children's mental health crisis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in the prevalence of youth mental health needs stating that adolescents are in crisis (Reinert et al., 2021). Since 2021, a significant amount of literature has been published, indicating that,…

Reports the results of a state-by-state (N=27) survey of mental health services available for older persons and compares the extent of need and existing federal mandates. Results show 52 percent of respondents provide mental health services for older adults, while 22 percent include older adults with the general public. (Author/JAC)

The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health solicited public comment from stakeholders in the mental health community on various topics related to the Commissions mission. The goal was to gain a better understanding of the publics experiences with, concerns about, and hopes for the mental health care system. More than twelve hundred…

The report analyzes roles of mental health professionals in implementing Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986, which established the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). A December, 1987, conference of administrators, clinicians, policymakers, and parent representatives from federal, state, and…

An evaluation of free health care for the homeless in Britain showed that it lacks government directive, has biases and overlaps, is disproportionately delivered in emergency rooms, and relies on advocacy from the nonprofit sector. Systems of care in the U. S. must better address the needs of disenfranchised groups. (Author/VM)

Block granting disburses mental health funds largely at the discretion of state mental health authorities, and state priorities typically focus on the most severely ill persons. Rural centers may suffer because multipurpose programs responding to a wide range of community needs are excluded from the mental health service delivery concept. (JHZ)

This set of seven issue briefs considers six important community-based services for children with serious mental or emotional disorders that some states provide as mandated rehabilitation services under the federal Medicaid law. The materials are designed to help state policymakers develop appropriate rules for covering community-based services…

As legislation permits, the state and federal rehabilitation programs have become increasingly involved in rehabilitation of psychiatrically disabled persons. The National Institute of Mental Health and the Rehabilitation Services Administration cooperate to implement federal policy in a number of programs. (JAC)

This paper focuses on recent legislation providing special services and provisions for mentally retarded persons in Sweden. The paper describes the legislation's goal in normalizing their lives, the types of residential placements available, their educational and vocational activities, and their mental health problems. (JDD)

This paper addresses the current need for new, more effective ways of delivering mental health services. It recognizes the need for closer ties between mental health professionals and community groups, which has been met in the past by consultation and education (C and E) groups. But these groups have been hampered by complex social and…

This discussion of special education and mental health services for minority severely emotionally disturbed children identifies several issues in service delivery and impediments to service delivery. The identified issues are divided into the following categories: program development, the coordination of services, and service delivery systems;…

San Antonio's Child Mental Health Program (CMHP) became ineligible for direct funding following enactment of Public Law 94-63, but was able to propose a viable plan for program survival. The CMHP, established by the Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC) in 1972, provides comprehensive child mental health services within a community setting and…

Describes the mental health problem among the poor whose rural or cultural attitudes and values often prevent their seeking or receiving services. Describes federal involvement in mental health since 1946, including legislation, presidential policy, currently proposed bills, and budget items. Discusses state and local administration of federal…

This study addresses seven components of Public Law 99-457 which relate to mental health intervention to meet the comprehensive early needs of infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, disabilities. The seven components include: the definition of "developmentally delayed"; multidisciplinary evaluation; the individualized family service…

Based on their master's studies in community health nursing, two nurses describe their participation in developing a plan for a local health services agency (HSA). They emphasize the need for nursing input in HSA planning and the contribution that this input can make particularly to school health care. (MF)