ABSTRACT
Many children with mental health concerns are not accurately identified. Without accurate identification, children are not likely to receive effective treatment. In addition, many approaches to assessing mental health address disorders or deficits, which limits promotive approaches for wellness. Families provide integral support for children and are knowledgeable about their children’s mental health and needs in ways that extend beyond school. Partnering families and educators in an approach to complete mental health screening that examines needs and wellness is essential to promote children’s healthy development and lifetime wellness. Several barriers exist to integrating families and educators in complete mental health screening. Through leveraging family and school strengths, and addressing barriers, family–school partnerships in complete mental health screening can promote healthy outcomes for children.
