ABSTRACT
According to a report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, about 20% of children will experience some sort of mental health problem in a given year. Children who ultimately exhibit severe educational, behavioral, or emotional difficulties typically receive no formal recognition or help until their problems have forced them into failure. When people think of public health, they often consider policies related to clean air and water, or perhaps they envision a dramatic public service announcement or a local campaign encouraging children to wear bike helmets. These examples are part of the services of public health. A public health model refers to a process for addressing health-related needs within a community. A public health model, which emphasizes prevention, promotion of positive outcomes, population-based assessment and interventions, and comprehensive services, may provide a better paradigm for children’s mental health services in the schools.
