Thanks to an enlightened and understanding judge in the juvenile justice system, Hector was referred to the county mental health center for an assessment. Hector was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Discussions with school personnel revealed that Hector was a bright boy who tried in school and wanted to do well. But he often fell apart under stress from schoolwork or the inevitable social problems that junior high school students face. Hector's probation officer, school principal, and the head of a community mental health center joined his family in designing a program for him.
Hector attends a stress management course each week at school.
A home visitor meets with Carmen and her husband Carlos weekly to help with family issues. A trained respite worker spends a day each month with Hector and his five siblings so that the parents can have time alone and rest from the task of raising a large family on very low wages. For more information on systems of care, call 1.800.789.2647. Every child's mental health is important. Many children have mental health problems.