School-based health centers development

III. Formal connections with community mh services— Increasingly, schools have developed connections with community agencies, often as the result of the school-based health center movement, school-linked services initiatives (e.g., full-service schools, family resource centers), and efforts to develop systems of care (e.g., wraparound services for those in special education). Four formats have emerged ... 

The Columbia University School of Nursing, Center for Health Policy has core competencies for all public health workers pertaining to bioterrorism and emergency preparedness to support training efforts. The competencies are based on the essential services of public health, to promote physical and mental health and prevent disease, injury, and disability, and serve as an emergency preparedness foundation for both individual and institutional development (Columbia University School of Nursing, 2002). 

CCMHP is the current federal program providing coordinated, community-based, family-centered, cultmally competent, accessible, and least restrictive services for children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders accompanied by functional impairment. Development of these systems of care is based on the premise that the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families can be met in their home, school, and community environments (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1999). A variety of community agencies are involved, including mental health, child welfare, education, and juvenile justice. Funded service systems are tailored to the needs of individual children and adolescents and include evaluation and diagnosis. 

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