Families need support services that will assist their efforts in helping their children learn, develop and grow. Families may face many challenges as they cope with the difficulties and demands of raising a child with behavioral health issues. The absence of childcare prevents families from participating in social or recreational activities. Families may experience isolation from friends and relatives. Also, families may face staggering costs for special treatment, education, or other services.
Families have great strength.
Many have learned to manage their circumstances very well through the assistance of community mental health centers, and other family orientated self-help organizations. Mental Health Centers do not always have the necessary services available for young children because they are usually funded through public resources. Specialized care is available in the private sector often at a very high cost. Recognizing that a comprehensive specific resource list has not yet been developed, this chapter is a first attempt. In 1999 the Council sponsored the development of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist in conjunction with the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership.