Needs assessment of community-based services for children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders and their families: Part 2. Implementation in a local system of care

Abstract

In a previous article, rationale and procedures were presented for a model needs assessment of community-based services for children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders and their families. In this article, the authors describe initial needs assessment planning activities, examine the implementation of the proposed model, provide a general overview of the results, and review how the community that conducted the assessment used the information to identify system development priorities and action plans. Quantitative data are provided on the population demographics and parent and direct services provider surveys. Qualitative data are presented on the semistructured interviews with key stakeholders and direct service providers.

Effects of Extracurricular Participation on the Internalizing Problems and Intrapersonal Strengths of Youth in a System of Care

“…Providing supports to integrate youth enrolled in SOCs into extracurriculars, as well as perhaps creating opportunities for these youth, may be a way to further capitalize on the wraparound approach to care. Such steps appear necessary-for example, in a needs assessment, recreational activities were the most frequently cited need by caregivers for their service-enrolled children (Marcenko, Keller & Delaney, 2001), and they were identified as a gap by direct service providers in SOCs (Quinn, Epstein, Cumblad & Holderness, 1996). To that end, McCammon (2012) called for the inclusion of strengthsbased planning and interventions for youth in SOCs (e.g., providing supports/connections to extracurriculars and other community assets).…”

The Impact of Time on Parent Perspectives on the Barriers to Services and the Service Needs of Youths in the Juvenile Justice System

“…In what might be the only study to date, Benner, Epstein, and Mooney (2002) used a similar instrument to assess the perceptions of parents with youths in the juvenile justice system. Responses from 50 parents in a medium-sized, mid-western county were comparable to those in Quinn et al (1996). Parents iden-tified cost, long waiting lists and periods, and access to information as the greatest barriers to effective services.…”

“…Few published studies to date (i.e., Lehman & Irvin, 1996;Quinn, Epstein, Cumblad, & Holderness, 1996) have explored parent perspectives on mental health or juvenile justice service delivery issues. Quinn and colleagues (1996), for example, surveyed parent perceptions of system barriers and priority needs of 230 parents of youths with mental health needs.…”

Mental health needs in schools for emotional, behavioural and social difficulties

“…Research evidence also suggests there is a significant overlap between mental health difficulties, psychiatric disorders and special educational needs. Quinn, Epstein, Cumblad and Holderness (1996) surveyed young people receiving Tier 2 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). At Tier 2 a child with depression, for example, would see one mental health worker.…”

“…Availability of appropriate support can also be an issue. Quinn, Epstein, Cumblad and Holderness (1996) surveyed parents and service providers of Tier 2 CAMHS regarding barriers and priorities for comprehensive community support. Service providers identified priorities for service development as: formal parent training, therapeutic foster homes, family therapy, support in school and early identification and case management.…”