The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is the first study of a national probability sample of children who have been assessed following child abuse and neglect reports. Under funding from the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, the study is completing data collection on 6,100 children and families in the national probability sample from 40 states and approximately 100 county agencies (PSUs). The study involves the administration of standardized mental health and developmental measures for children, foster parents, and biological parents. Child welfare workers also report on services provided and local agency managers provide policy implementation information. The first findings from the study will be presented and address a sub-population of nearly 700 children who were sampled after one year in foster care and given an extensive battery of standardized, age-based, face-to-face assessments in their homes. The fit between their mental health needs and the services they received will be discussed. Additional contextual data on linkages between mental health and child welfare agencies at the state and local levels is being collected under funding from the National Institute of Mental Health. Findings from interviews with program managers about the organization of child welfare and mental health services in the sampled counties will be used to interpret the findings from the main study of youth and families involved with long-term foster care.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the rate of mental health problems in this high risk population. 2. Evaluate the relationship between need for and use of mental health services in this population. 3. Discuss the impact of contextual factors on access to and use of mental health services for these youth.
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.