ABSTRACT
The Mental Health Act indicates childhood and adolescence as a period of life requiring special preventive, therapeutic, and remedial care. The organization of services can be based on patterns of services developed in countries with a longer tradition and on the recommendations of international organizations. This desirable goal, however, will remain at a project stage if realistic factors are not taken into account. Assessment of specific community needs through epidemiological studies requires highly trained professionals and reasonable funds. This is more practical for the modifications of well-developed care systems.
