Estimates suggest that about 15% of all children have some form of mental disturbance. Potential causes can be of a physical, psychological, or environmental origin. Symptoms which indicate that a child needs professional help usually involve emotional overreaction to changes. Diagnosis of a child evidencing symptoms of mental illness should take place in a facility where a wide range of mental health professionals is available. Various settings for treatment and types of professional personnel are currently available, as are several forms of treatment. Education for mentally ill children has been mandated by federal laws in order to integrate these children among their peers. The National Association for Mental Health has issued a comprehensive program for mentally ill children which includes referral services, developmental and psychoeducational assessment, treatment, special education programs, rehabilitation, residential care, transitional services, relief services, and periodic evaluation and followup. For better mental health, all children should receive love, security, acceptance, control, guidance, independence, protection, and faith from their families. (Author/NRB)