What Is System of Care in Mental Health?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20 percent of young people are affected by a mental health problem and nearly two-thirds of them do not get the help they need. Without treatment, these children often find trouble with the law, fall in with the wrong crowd or drop out of school.

Definition

• System of Care is a philosophy of mental health treatment for children -- ages 9 to 17 -- and their families. It is based on the belief that combining a coordinated network of local services with each family's unique values will create a mental health treatment plan that is both family-focused and community-based. This leads to improved outcomes for both the child and family.

Types of Service

• A mental health treatment plan involves more than just counseling and medication. Services coordinated through systems of care range from crisis outreach, health care and legal services to respite care, support groups and foster care. Services even take into consideration such logistics as providing transportation to ensure a child can make a doctor's appointment.

Benefits

• The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Approximately 90 percent of participants experienced reduced or stable emotional and behavioral problems, including those with previous suicidal tendencies. Moreover, children spend less time in inpatient care, experience fewer arrests and improve both school attendance and achievements.