56.1 SYSTEMS OF CARE AND THE CHILD PSYCHIATRIST: WHY SHOULD I CARE?

Abstract

Participants will learn the basic principles and core values of systems of care. The presentation will review the current literature on systems of care that is pertinent to child and adolescent psychiatrists, including draft versions of the AACAP Clinical Update Series on Child and Mental Health Care in Community Systems of Care. Systems-of-care approaches have provided the major framework for improving child and family services for those with mental health conditions. Family-driven, youth-centered, and strength-based care systems utilize care coordination and wraparound services that are culturally and linguistic competent in the least-restrictive settings to provide mental health treatment at the appropriate intensity with measurable outcomes. Early-intervention services, prevention and wellness activities, and trauma-informed care are examples of the continued evolution of the practice to expand beyond only children with severe emotional disturbances to make a wider impact on all families and children served by mental health organizations. Finally, the role of psychotropic medication within child-serving systems can be appropriately guided by systems-of-care values. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can implement and follow systems-of-care values and principles to improve the treatment of youths and families facing mental health challenges.