Behavioral Health

The problem has been well documented: approximately one in five children and adolescents experiences a mental health disorder in any given year, and 1 in 10 of all youth experiences a mental illness that severely disrupts his or her daily functioning. Yet more than two-thirds who need mental health services do not receive them. While untreated mental illness can set an individual on a devastating path, early intervention or prevention can correct the course.

The period between adolescence and adulthood is a time of great transition. As youth accepts the responsibilities of adulthood, they must take important choices about leaving home, continuing their education, finding a job, or starting a family. Over the past several decades, with more youth entering college and delaying marriage, the transition has become even more complex.

Every year, thousands of children nationwide experience trauma as a result of exposure to violence, abuse, or disasters. These traumatic events create intense stress that threatens children’s mental health and well-being. Fortunately, early intervention and access to appropriate treatment services can ameliorate the immediate and long-term effects of exposure to trauma.

Maternal depression affects not only a woman herself, but also her family, friends, and coworkers. Of particular concern is maternal depression’s link to problems in children’s health, mental health, and development. This Issue Focus highlights ways that health grantmakers can address maternal depression and its consequences, including educating women and health care providers, promoting screening and treatment, integrating mental health services into programs serving pregnant and parenting women, and supporting research.

The events of 9/11 and the ongoing threat of terrorism have had a profound effect on all Americans. Moreover, the systems responsible for responding in the event of a terrorist act, such as health and public safety, are less prepared to address the needs of children than other populations. This Issue Focus looks at strategies funders can use to incorporate the needs of children into emergency preparedness planning by involving schools, hospital pediatric departments, and other youth-serving organizations.

Each year, 1 in 10 American children experiences a mental illness severe enough to cause some impairment in the child’s ability to function in school, family, and community settings.  Yet only a small proportion of those in need receive treatment.

This GIH Issue Focus describes the methods and strategies of youth mentoring programs, research findings on program effectiveness, and foundation support of youth mentoring programs.