NCJ Number
222751
Journal
Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 23 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 133-150
Date Published
2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the President’s New Freedom Commission Report released in 2003 with the core focus on a system of care philosophy for effective community/social reintegration of adolescents in residential treatment centers.
Abstract
The New Freedom Commission’s focus on recovery of ability to live, work, play, learn, and participate in community reinforces the role of occupational therapists in providing valuable community supports for children and adolescents with mental health needs. Occupational therapy is an essential component of the mental health evaluation and intervention process for persons of all ages and plays an important role in systems of care-based programs for children and adolescents with psychological needs. Occupational therapists can become part of the systems of care-based programs. There is a need for increased communication among disciplines in order to fully understand and utilize the skills and strengths of team members who have the potential for valuable contributions toward a system of care village. The need for system reform for child and adolescent mental health services, long recognized as a vital issue, continues to challenge mental health professionals. While past legislation has not adequately addressed the issues, the 2003 President’s New Freedom Commission may begin to reorient mental health systems toward recovery. Supported by this legislation, the “systems of care” movement promotes interagency mental health delivery systems with a family focus. Increased communication and collaboration are critical to effect successful community reintegration of children and adolescents who are returning from residential treatment. References