Note from the Editor

CrossCurrents

Most mental illnesses have their roots in childhood and adolescence. That means that early intervention is critical in both prevention and treatment. But statistics show that a growing number of children are experiencing mental health issues that are often undiagnosed until they have become major issues, usually in adolescence or adulthood. Early diagnosis is under-funded, as are prevention programs. Chronic funding shortages have resulted in wait lists of many months for children in distress. Responsibility for children’s mental health care is dispersed across multiple systems: schools, primary care, the juvenile justice system, child welfare and substance abuse treatment. We must overcome these obstacles.

Fostering social and emotional health in children as a part of healthy child development must be a national priority. An effective strategy would balance health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, effective treatment and universal access to care. This issue of CrossCurrents delves into some of these areas.

Dr. Marshall Korenblum opens with a historical perspective – what changes has he seen in his 20 years of practice with children and youth? Many stories that follow focus on the family. Indeed, child mental health is family mental health. And good mental health starts at birth. Astrid Van Den Broek discusses a program that helps parents promote healthy attachment in their babies so they get a good start in life. Avril Roberts calls for more attention to the needs of children exposed to domestic violence. Karen Shenfeld shows how clinicians can shift their focus from dysfunction within families to their innate strengths as a way to foster resilience in children. Another story discusses the support needs of children who have a parent with mental health or substance use issues.

Schools are another key setting for children. Dan Werb’s article shows the promise that school-based cognitive-behavioural therapy holds for children with anxiety. As for newcomers to Canada, they face their own challenges. The Q&A examines the unique mental health issues of refugee children. The issue wraps up with Dr. Ken Zucker’s Last Word column about issues around gender identity disorder in children.

As you read this issue, remember: It’s our duty to care for the next generation.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net

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