Editorial: The Role of Social Work in Child Mental Illness
Like all people, children participate in systems. Many children are legally identified within the hospital when born and often receive patient care. At that point, many are assigned a social security number. Children often participate in pediatric care throughout their childhoods and, eventually, school systems. Beyond operating these larger systems, they may also be members of families, social circles, religious groups, and classrooms.
Children diagnosed with mental illness must come in contact with a medical or mental health professional to be formally diagnosed. This may have occurred after they appeared to have difficulty functioning at their developmental level or when they have presented with behavioral problems. Thereafter, they are often referred to clinicians tasked with providing appropriate therapies (medications, biofeedback, cognitive, behavioral, etc) depending on their needs. Some children may also engage with resource teams that aim to provide consistent resources across settings. Educational systems must make accommodations for children with a diagnosed mental illness to access education in the least restrictive environment possible. This is usually accomplished at the caregiver’s request, who contacts the school district and asks for an individualized education program or educational accommodation plan. The document outlines how the school will legally support a student with a disability and remove barriers to learning.
To support the wellness of children diagnosed with mental illness, efforts must be made to ensure their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being over time while also considering financial and environmental resources across various settings. There may be public programs to support these needs. Some of the wellness challenges include the lack of consistent resources. Many social services programs see a high turnover rate in employees. Depending on the setting, this may mean children will see various social workers, resource specialists, and caregivers over time. There may also be an inconsistency in the treatment itself, which can cause delays in progress. Holistically, these children need advocates, such as parents, caregivers, or other professionals who ensure the youth receive the support and resources they need at each stage of their developmental process. It is essential to recognize that needs change, and the resources may need to be modified to ensure the child reaches their full potential in all environments, including the home, educational, and social settings.
Bio: Dr. Kristen Wheldon is a licensed clinical forensic psychologist who has made substantial contributions to the psychological well-being of children in various capacities throughout her career. Notably, she plays a key role in supporting children served by the High-Risk Services Section of the LA County Department of Child and Family Services.
