The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46448

Evelyn R. Frankford, MSW and Yvette Lamb, MEd. Education Development Center, 55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA o2458

The prospects are bleak for young people who age out of the child and adolescent mental health and special education systems at age 18. Such adolescents experience negative outcomes in areas such as academic performance, adaptive behavior, and avoidance of criminal activity, as well as repeat placements in mental health and substance abuse treatment settings or prison. Absent a strong and consistent commitment to comprehensive and effective services, many are on "a long-time trajectory toward failure and despair."

According to one study, 74% of 21 year olds with mental disorders had prior problems. "In the United States, between the ages of 1 and 19, the group of conditions that lowers quality of life and reduces life chances the most are emotional and behavioral problems and associated impairments. Children with these disorders are at much increased risk for dropping out of school and of not being fully functional members of society in adulthood."

This presentation will summarize an emerging knowledge base and issues of underutilized statutory authority to identify opportunities for public mental health systems change. It will provide a case study from one state about a strategic planning and program implementation initiative that demonstrates how existing resources can be restructured into needed supports and programs for the transitioning adolescent population.

Learning Objectives:

• To highlight the interconnected range of supports and services that adolescents aging out of mental health care need in order to transition to adults roles and responsibilities
• To provide a case history from one state on how programs and funding are being restructured to provide transition services for the older adolescent/young adult population

Keywords: Adolescents, Community Health Programs

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.