Mental and behavioral health challenges are common risk factors for child welfare involvement. Culturally responsive and equitable services that cater to diverse communities can increase resiliency and strengthen protective factors keeping children safe and families thriving.
Everyone can benefit from mental and behavioral health supports, but not everyone has easy, equitable access. Child welfare professionals have the unique opportunity to screen for and identify challenges, and they can make referrals for early, individualized, and trauma-informed interventions to support the emotional well-being of children, youth, and families. The Family First Prevention Services Act is one way to receive funds and access for these services.
Substance use disorders and mental health challenges can sometimes co-occur, requiring more complex support approaches. Families may be engaged in multiple treatment plans that may not line up with court timelines. Understanding the potential for co-occurrence is vital for assessing and providing appropriate treatment referrals for families. Collaboration between child welfare agencies, mental and behavioral health treatment providers, and other community-based organizations can help families receive holistic and equitable services.
Use these resources to better understand the impact of these issues and how to support families experiencing these challenges.
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What Is Child Welfare? A Guide for Behavioral and Mental Health Professionals
This brief guide provides an overview of child welfare, describes how behavioral health/mental health professionals and child welfare workers can support one another's efforts, and lists resources for more information.
The Role of Specialized Managed Care in Addressing the Intersection of Child Welfare Reform and Behavioral Health Transformation
Examine the intersection of child welfare reform and health transformation and how specialized managed care plans can create better alignment between child welfare and healthcare services.
Preventing, Identifying, and Treating Substance Use Among Youth in Foster Care
Provides professionals with information about the extent and effects of substance use among youth in foster care, ways to identify use, how to support youth in care who currently use or are at high risk for using, and strategies for prevention.
Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children in Foster Care
Provides information on a number of topics that relate to the mental and behavioral health of children and teens in out-of-home care.
Two-Generation Approaches to Supporting Family Well-Being
Read about two-generation approaches and why child welfare agencies should use them to improve outcomes for families. Learn how to build parental capacity and protective factors within families, often with the goal of interrupting cycles of poverty.
Strengths-Based Strategies to Support Mental Health and Well-Being for Youth, Young Adults, and Families
Find strategies for agencies to promote youth’s mental health and well-being by helping youth identify their strengths and move toward healing through trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches.