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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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In the United States, approximately 6 to 9 million children and adolescents have serious emotional disturbances.1 Research shows that one of five children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years experience symptoms of mental health problems that cause some level of impairment in a given year.2
Expenditures for children’s mental health services were nearly $11.75 billion in 1998—a threefold increase from 1986.3,4 Left untreated, mental health disorders in children and adolescents lead to higher rates of suicide, violence, school dropout, family dysfunction, juvenile incarcerations, alcohol and other drug use, and unintentional injuries. Schools can play a vital role in creating safe, nurturing school environments and providing care to students with emotional or behavioral problems. According to the School Health Policy and Programs Study of 2000, three-fourths of schools have a part-time or full-time guidance counselor, two-thirds have a part-time or full-time psychologist, and slightly more than 40 percent have a part-time or full-time social worker.5
School Health Policies and Programs Study
SHPPS is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health
policies and programs at the state, district, school, and classroom
levels, including those related to mental health.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
The YRBSS monitors behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading
causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in
the United States.
Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT). The Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) can help school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of Effective Health Education Curricula. The HECAT results can help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education to address mental health and other health education topics. The HECAT can be customized to meet local community needs and conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district.
Registries of Programs Effective in Reducing Youth Risk Behaviors. Various federal agencies have identified youth-related programs that they consider worthy of recommendation based on expert opinion or a review of design and research evidence. These programs focus on different health topics, risk behaviors, and settings including issues related to mental health.
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Page last reviewed: June 26, 2006
Division of Adolescent
and School Health
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