An Analysis of Mental Health Issues in States’ Child and Family Service Reviews and Program Improvement Plans

The Child and Family Service Reviews (CFSR) conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with state governments, are designed to help states improve child welfare services and the outcomes for families and children who receive services by identifying strengths and needs within state programs, as well as areas where technical assistance can lead to program improvements. In 2003, a workgroup of staff from the federal Administration for Children and Families and from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration asked the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at Georgetown University and the Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health at the American Institutes for Research to conduct a mental health analysis of the CFSR findings.

The analysis is based upon findings from Final Reports in 38 States and Program Improvement Plans (PIPs) from 28 States. It will be updated as additional Final Reports and PIPs are available and reviewed. The report summarizes responses to 10 specific questions about mental health screening and assessment, mental health services, and the extent to which mental health issues are addressed in Program Improvement Plans. It also presents the mental health related trends observed in the 38 State Final Reports and 28 State Program Improvement Plans (PIPs). It concludes with a summary of the challenges and solutions related to mental health needs and services for children and families in the child welfare system.

Download: CFSR_MHAnalysis.pdf