Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121213

Yu Bai, MS, Health Policy & Administration, Pennsylvania State University, 104 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, 814-238-2735, yzb103@psu.edu

Objectives: This study examines the need and actual use of mental health services for Pennsylvania children involved in child welfare and investigates factors affecting the utilization of mental health services. Method: Data comes from a longitudinal study, National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). Children aged two and above at the time of the Wave 1 interview (November 1999 -- April 2001) are selected as the sample population. Results: (1) 31.1% of children had clinically significant Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores, while only 9.6% of children received any type of treatment for emotional, behavioral, learning, and attentional problems. (2) In-home placement setting and greater numbers of family risks are negatively related to the utilization of mental health service; while Medicaid and mental disorder are the factors contributing to service use. (3) Specialty outpatient, in-home counseling, and school counseling are used most frequently. The pattern for services is different for children with and without mental disorders. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a large gap between need and actual use of mental health services for Pennsylvania children involved in child welfare. More effective coordination must occur among child welfare, mental health, and educational systems to reduce barriers for accessing mental health services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Learn the prevalence of mental disorder in PA child welfare
• 2. Know the gap between the needs and actual utilization of mental health services among this population
• 3. Understand the significance of collaboration between child welfare agency and mental health services

Keywords: Welfare, Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.