| Abstract: | Discusses the 1970 Joint Commission on Mental Health of Children report. The issues raised by the report are considered, and recommendations are presented for the response of the American Psychological Association (APA). The limitations of the APA in the area of its official position on public policy or programs, the establishment of priority statements after analyses of program costs, and the utilization of lobbyists are discussed. It is suggested that psychologists establish rank order priorities for the problems of prevention of psychopathologies in children. The advantages of the child advocacy system and of universally available preschool programs, especially for the disadvantaged, are discussed. Research is proposed which would cover 3 areas: nationwide epidemiological studies, assessment and evaluation of action-oriented social programs, and multidisciplinary research into causative factors. A general model for delivering services to children and families is outlined which would utilize the local schools as the 1st level for assessment and treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
