

Children’s Mental Health

A major determinant of outcomes for children, youth, and their families is their mental health. Low-income children, youth, and their families are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, impairing the ability of children and youth to succeed in school and placing them at risk of involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice agencies.

The evidence base for effective treatment is growing. Many successful strategies occur in schools and other settings where children and youth spend most of their time. They also involve integrated approaches across various child-serving sectors. Family-focused prevention and early intervention can help the youngest children. Additionally, research demonstrates the effectiveness of strategies that engage families.

However, public policy and funding practices are often out of sync with emerging knowledge. NCCP’s Unclaimed Children Revisited Project works to improve the policy context for children’s mental health.


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