School-based mental health services: The foundation of systems of care for children's mental health

Abstract

Systems of care for children's mental health have gained increasing attention and significance over the last decade. The ultimate goal of these systems of care is to fully integrate children and families served into the fabric of their community and culture. In this paper, we will outline the factors which have influenced the development of this approach to children's mental health and how school-based mental health services provide the foundation for the actualization of these interagency systems. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.