title: A multi-state study on mental health evaluation for children entering foster care.
abstract: When compared with the general United States child population, children entering foster care have elevated rates of mental health problems. This study examines: (1) state approaches to mental health evaluations for children entering foster care for the first time, (2) the consistency of these approaches with professional guidelines, and (3) whether the specific instruments endorsed are supported by available evidence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and a document review of available protocols/policies were conducted for 47 states and the District of Columbia. All states endorsed mental health evaluations; variation existed between states in approach, timeframe, administrator, and specific instruments endorsed.
authors.affiliation: Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Munya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hayek
authors.forename: Thomas I
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Mackie
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Mulé
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bellonci
authors.forename: Justeen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hyde
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bakan
authors.forename: Laurel K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Leslie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States