ABSTRACT
The U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment (1986) estimated that some 12% of the nation's children and adolescents are experiencing diffi culties that require some type of mental health intervention. Of those children in need, it is estimated that 70% to 80% are not receiving appropri ate mental health care. The past decade witnessed major reforms altering the way that mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families were conceptualized, organized, funded, and provided. Beginning in the mid-1980s children and their mental health needs became a focus of government (federal and state), private and philanthropic entities. There was awakened and remains a realization by these entities that the state mental health authorities (SMHAs) or departments of mental health (DMH) have a primary responsibility for meeting or ensuring that the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families are met. Although the public mandate is to serve all citizens, those populations of poor or children of color who historically were underserved are a major focus.
