Public School and Mental Health Services to Severely Behavior Disordered Students

Abstract

The National Needs Analysis Project in Behavior Disorders has examined numerous issues in the general area of behavior disorders. The purpose of this article is to present one specific aspect of that global effort: public school and mental health services to severely behavior disordered children and youth. Through analysis of national data and site visits to selected states information was gathered on the state-of-the-art of this topic. Data indicate that the largest number of severely behavior disordered students are served within the public schools. However, out-of-district placements and school demission techniques frequently keep such students less visible. Mental health services, particularly “state hospitals” appear to serve as one frequently used step in the progression out of the public schools, especially for adolescents. Lack of collaboration between public schools and mental health services does not enhance the delivery of appropriate service.