Why focus on childrens mental health policy?
The need for such a focus is clear. The report of the Surgeon General’s Conference on Children’s Mental Health (2000) stated: “The nation is facing a public crisis in mental health care for infants, children and adolescents.” Evidence shows that the development of behavioral and health problems in childhood can initiate a developmental trajectory leading to health and functional problems in adulthood. As researchers, program administrators and practitioners, psychologists are well-equipped to address the mental health needs of children. In addition, psychology has the scientific knowledge base to help shape policies on children’s mental health. Psychology needs to be at the table as public policy is being formulated. The role of APA is to bring psychological expertise, based on science, to the public policy process. What we do at APA Our advocacy work focuses on three key areas. First, we advocate for and support policies that create positive environments for children–that is, environ
