Children's mental health: the family perspective

Behavior problems in children and adolescents have traditionally been blamed on the family. Recent information from neuroscience research challenges this assumption. Increased understanding of childhood behavior and psychiatric disorders has the potential to enhance treatment effectiveness and outcome. Changes in mental health delivery systems toward culturally competent, community-based systems of care are likely to improve the access of minority children to mental health care. Specific diagnoses and new medications may help children who have severe disorders avoid placement out of the home. Families have been instrumental in these advances by advocating better services and treatments for their children.