ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates some of the complex issues involved in the case of Palestine. Conflict-affected parts of the world are challenging contexts for addressing children's mental health and wellbeing. Not only are war-torn situations a threat to mental health, but difficulties in service provision are significant. Bearing in mind a broad range of possible psychological responses to adversity, schools are identified as places where children can receive services and develop resilience. However, early intervention is hampered by a lack of preschools. Most current mental health programs in Palestine reflect the adoption of western cultural trends towards the medicalization of trauma and distress and are psychological therapies. This focus on trauma alone has resulted in inadequate attention to factors associated with resilient mental health outcomes. In Palestine, international and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) played a big role in introducing mental health services. Most services are offered in schools through the Ministry of Education and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
