Primary prevention for children: a framework for the assessment of need

This paper discusses the role of needs assessment procedures in the development of effective primary prevention strategies for children and youth. A number of techniques which may be employed in the assessment of need for such services are presented and their strengths and limitations for such application are discussed. Particular problems for needs assessment planning and implementation stemming from differences in the goals and objectives of preventive, as opposed to more traditional mental health services for children, are elaborated and possible strategies for their resolution suggested.