Intervention at an early stage of a child's development is extremely complicated. The problems of balancing the conflicting rights of the child, the parents, and the State form the basis of this volume. It describes the interaction between mental health and legal interests in the USA, and provides a comprehensive survey of current empirical research, professional practice, and legal policy.

"Mental health professionals increasingly look towards problem prevention at the earliest stage of personal development, yet intervention at that stage is extremely complicated. The difficulties of balancing the conflicting rights of the child (to self-determination), the parents (to raise children in privacy and in their own manner), and of the State (to step in when parents or children fail to meet some socially desirable standard) form the basis of this volume. Its description of the interaction between mental health and legal interests, and how they impinge upon children--areas of rapidly-growing concern to mental health workers--represents the state-of-the-art. Four key topics are tackled: the relationship between children and their families; the health care system; the juvenile justice system; and the educational system. The result is a comprehensive survey of current empirical research, professional practice, and legal policy. In addition, the authors have given provocative suggestions on which direction the field will take--and on which direction they think it should take."--Provided by the publisher

The legal aspects of child mental health have changed in recent years, yet many who deal professionally with disturbed children are ill informed about the rights and responsibilities of minors. Child Mental Health and the Law addresses the need for a comprehensive, up-to-date text that describes the evolution of child mental health law and the relevance of the law to the child mental health clinician.

Healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) development is a critical foundation for a productive adulthood. Much is known about strategies to support families and communities in strengthening the MEB development of children and youth, by promoting healthy development and also by preventing and mitigating disorder, so that young people reach adulthood ready to thrive and contribute to society. Over the last decade, a growing body of research has significantly strengthened understanding of healthy MEB development and the factors that influence it, as well as how it can be fostered. Yet, the United States has not taken full advantage of this growing knowledge base. Ten years later, the nation still is not effectively mitigating risks for poor MEB health outcomes; these risks remain prevalent, and available data show no significant reductions in their prevalence. Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Youth: A National Agenda examines the gap between current research and achievable national goals for the next ten years. This report identifies the complexities of childhood influences and highlights the need for a tailored approach when implementing new policies and practices. This report provides a framework for a cohesive, multidisciplinary national approach to improving MEB health.

Children and young people with complex mental health needs are increasingly being cared for within specialist mental health care settings, either in the community or in in-patient facilities. With rapid social developments, it can be difficult for carers and practitioners to keep track of the law in this area. This book provides a guide to the law relating to mental health care for children and young people, their rights and entitlement to service, and discusses important issues in clinical and social care practice such as parental responsibility, Gillick competency and capacity, emergency intervention and detention, assessment of mental illness and confidentiality in practice. A chapter written by Mary Mitchell considers the diagnosis and management of complex mental illness in young people, and a concluding chapter discusses changes in the law. Jargon-free and accessibly written, this is an invaluable guide for professionals working in child and adolescent health and social care, social workers, youth workers, social welfare policy makers, medical professionals, teachers, educational professionals and students, as well as advocates for children and young people.