The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA
3322.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - Board 7

Abstract #45790

Mental health needs of youth with emotional disturbances placed in special education programs in urban schools

Albert J. Duchnowski, PhD, Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, (813) 974-4622, duchnows@fmhi.usf.edu, Krista Kutash, PhD, Florida Mental Health Institute, Dept. of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, and Nancy B. Lynn, MSPH, Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 1316B, Tampa, FL 33612-3899.

This poster presents results from a study documenting the psychosocial characteristics of youth served in special education placements due to emotional and behavioral disabilities in urban communities. Eight school (four elementary, two K-8, one middle, and two high schools) in two mid-size urban cities participated. Characteristics of the students identified as having emotional and behavioral disabilities and served in these schools in special education settings (N=99) are described. Results from the administration of standardized assessments revealed that these students have significant levels of emotional and behavioral disabilities that impair their functioning at school and at home. In addition, more than half of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Specific results regarding the amounts and types of mental health services received will be described as well as a comparison of services supplied by the school system contrasted with the services supplied by the specialty mental health system. Recommendations for improved collaboration between the education and mental health systems will be presented.

Learning Objectives: Step

  • Participants in this poster presentation will receive information about students who have been identified as emotionally disturbed by the public school system. The students in this study attend schools in large inner cities, are largely African American, and over 50% are eligible for free or reduced cost lunch. Participants in the session will learn about the emotional and academic functioning of these students and the services they and their families receive.
  • Upon viewing this poster the participant will recongnize the high level of emotional disturbance in students service in speical education programs and their low level of academic functioning. Participants will also identify services that are supplied by the school system as compared to the speciality mental health system.
  • After viewing this poster, the participant will be able to

    Keywords: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, School-Based Programs

    Related Web page: www.rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:
    I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

    Mental Health Posters I: Services for Children and Families

    The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA