March 11, 2005

Family Guide to Systems of Care for Children with Mental Health Needs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services write in this brief that Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign is a national public education initiative emphasizing attention to children's and adolescents? mental health. It supports the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, in place in communities across the Nation, which is demonstrating the effectiveness of systems of care in meeting the services needs and improving the lives of children with serious emotional disturbances (SEDs) and their families. This campaign is managed by the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The guide is intended to help parents and caregivers seek help for children with mental health needs. Information is provided on what parents and caregivers need to know, ask, expect, and do to get the most out of their experience with systems of care.