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.
Recent Publications
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Using Medicaid to Help Young Children and Parents Access Mental Health Services
Results of a 50-State Survey
Report, August 2016 -
Mental Health Chartbook
Tracking the Well-being of People with Mental Health Challenges
Report, August 2012 -
Building Strong Systems of Support for Young Children’s Mental Health
Key Strategies for States and a Planning Tool
Report, June 2011 -
Racial Gaps in Early Childhood
Socio-emotional Health, Developmental, and Educational Outcomes Among African-American Boys
Report, May 2011 -
State-level Indicators for Social-emotional Development
Building Better Systems
Report, February 2011
