Children and Mental Illness

When children have a mental illness, discrimination and labeling can hinder treatment and recovery.

Children especially need extra love and protection from the hurt which can be inflicted on them.

It is estimated that:

• 20 percent, or 279,704 children in Tennessee need mental health services;
• nine to 10 percent, or 125,866 children in Tennessee have serious emotional disturbance (SED).

A system of care is needed to help treat children effectively, especially those with SED. This system of care is a combination of new and existing service processes and organizational structures linked by a core set of values and beliefs.

The system of care provides a comprehensive array of service delivered in the least restrictive environment that is clinically appropriate.

Families are included in all aspects of planning and delivering services. Early identification and intervention services enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Expected outcomes after treatment include:

• Improved school attendance;
• Decreased family stress;
• Decreased teacher stress;
• Improved mental health and improved ability of the child to participate in families and groups.