ABSTRACT
A number of studies during the last 2 decades, examining the status of children’s mental health in various countries, have yielded similar findings and correspondingly similar recommendations (Costello, 1989; Hatzichristou, 2000; Koyanagi, 1995; Pfeiffer & Reddy, 1998; Rog, 1995; Wardle, 1991) that only a low percentage (20–30%) of those children identified as needing mental health services actually receive any care, while the great majority of students in need remain untreated. Moreover, the services provided are often inappropriate, inadequate, and lack coordination across multiple providers and systems (e.g., health care, educational, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems).
