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Effective/efficient mental health programs for school-age children: a synthesis of reviews

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  • Browne, Gina
  • Gafni, Amiram
  • Roberts, Jacqueline
  • Byrne, Carolyn
  • Majumdar, Basanti

Abstract

The prevalence of mental health problems, some of which seem to be occurring among younger cohorts, leads researchers and policy-makers to search for practical solutions to reduce the burden of suffering on children and their families, and the costs to society both immediate and long term. Numerous programs are in place to reduce or alleviate problem behaviour or disorders and/or assist positive youth development. Evaluated results are dispersed throughout the literature. To assess findings and determine common elements of effective children's services, a literature search was undertaken for evidence-based evaluations of non-clinical programs for school-age children. Prescriptive comments aim to inform service-providers, policy-makers and families about best practices for effective services such as: early, long-term intervention including reinforcement, follow-up and an ecological focus with family and community sector involvement; consistent adult staffing; and interactive, non-didactic programming adapted to gender, age and cultural needs. Gaps are identified in our understanding of efficiencies that result from effective programs. Policy implications include the need to develop strategies for intersectoral interventions, including: new financing arrangements to encourage (not penalize) interagency cooperation and, to ensure services reach appropriate segments of the population; replication of best practices; and publicizing information about benefits and cost savings. In many jurisdictions legislative changes could create incentives for services to collaborate on service delivery. Joint decision-making would require intersectoral governance, pooling of some funding, and policy changes to retain savings at the local level. Savings could finance expansion of services for additional youth.

Suggested Citation

  • Browne, Gina & Gafni, Amiram & Roberts, Jacqueline & Byrne, Carolyn & Majumdar, Basanti, 2004. "Effective/efficient mental health programs for school-age children: a synthesis of reviews," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(7), pages 1367-1384, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:58:y:2004:i:7:p:1367-1384
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    Cited by:

    1. Goulet, Julie & Maltais, Christine & Archambault, Isabelle & Noël, Véronique & Guériton, Muriel, 2024. "Supporting academic achievement of children in out-of-home care through effective interventions: results of a systematic review and meta-analyses," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Cheung, Chau-kiu & Lee, Tak-yan, 2010. "Improving social competence through character education," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 255-263, August.
    3. Joakim Wahlström & Sara Brolin Låftman & Bitte Modin & Petra Löfstedt, 2021. "Psychosocial Working Conditions in School and Life Satisfaction among Adolescents in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-12, May.
    4. Valentina Tobia & Andrea Greco & Patrizia Steca & Gian Marco Marzocchi, 2019. "Children’s Wellbeing at School: A Multi-dimensional and Multi-informant Approach," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 841-861, March.
    5. Cheung, Chau-kiu & Ngai, Steven Sek-yum, 2015. "Four- and ten-month lagged effects of individual counseling on the prosocial behavior of young people," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 89-96.
    6. Xavier Gasol & María Vicenta Navarro-Haro & Isabel Fernández-Felipe & Azucena García-Palacios & Carlos Suso-Ribera & Miquel Gasol-Colomina, 2022. "Preventing Emotional Dysregulation: Acceptability and Preliminary Effectiveness of a DBT Skills Training Program for Adolescents in the Spanish School System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-14, January.
    7. Kenigsberg, Tat'Yana A. & Winston, Willie & Gibson, Priscilla A. & Brady, Sonya S., 2016. "African American caregivers' resources for support: Implications for children's perceived support from their caregiver," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 337-344.
    8. Kristiina Puolakka & Anne Konu & Irma Kiikkala & Eija Paavilainen, 2014. "Mental Health Promotion in School: Schoolchildren’s and Families’ Viewpoint," Nursing Research and Practice, Hindawi, vol. 2014, pages 1-10, November.

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