Development of an innovative child and youth mental health training and services delivery project

In 1989 North Carolina began funding a mental health demonstration training and services project to serve severely emotionally disturbed children and youth in the community. During the first two years of this state-university collaboration, consultation and direct services provided by faculty and student trainees have been linked to preexisting services at a mental health center serving three counties. The project has met initial goals of developing new and expanded services, building relationships with other agencies, and integrating university and mental health center staff. More formal process and outcome evaluations are under way. Areas of probable long-standing concern include the need for more cordial working relationships with other agencies and for more participation of parents in treatment and education programs.