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Detection of child mental health problems in the school setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2019

Jan M. Nicholson ,
Margaret L. McFarland  and
Brian Oldenburg
Jan M. Nicholson*
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology
Margaret L. McFarland
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology
Brian Oldenburg
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology
*
School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Phone: 61-7-3864 3389, Fax: 61-7-3864 3369, Email: j.nicholson@qut.edu.au
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Abstract

Schools are an important setting for identification of children with mental health Problems, for referral to specialist mental health Professionals, and for preventive interventions. To ensure optimal Provision of mental health interventions, it is necessary understand how school Systems already identify and support such students. Focus groups with 77 teachers, guidance officers, and school principals in southeast Queensland explored how these school personnel perceive their students’ mental health difficulties. The eight groups identified existing child mental health problems and were aware of a number of early signs of mental health problems. Participants expressed concerns that children with internalising problems were not receiving appropriate Services, and they identified several barriers to effective communication with families and within the education sector. There are implications for the development of evidence-based approaches in the primary and secondary prevention of mental health problems in children.

Keywords

childrenmental healthschool
Type
Research Article
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , May 1999 , pp. 66 - 77
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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