The Children, Youth, and Families Office supports the work of the APA Committee on Children, Youth, and Families and liaisons with interested divisions, state associations, other organizations, and federal agencies.
The office works to ensure that children, youth and families receive the full attention of the association; to promote knowledge development and dissemination; to engage in policy analysis and advocacy; and to provide information, referral and consultation to members and the public.
The incidence of untreated child and adolescent mental health problems constitutes a public health crisis for our nation. Mental health problems in children and adolescents can lead to negative and at times tragic consequences, including failure to complete high school, substance abuse, involvement with the correctional system, lack of vocational success, inability to live independently, health problems, and suicide.
The human and financial costs of mental health problems in children are both broad and deep; they affect the children, adolescents, and their families, as well as schools, communities, employers and the nation as a whole.
The Children, Youth, and Families Office provides resources and programs for mental health professionals, families, educators, and all interested in improving the mental health of children and adolescents.