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- Title
Falling through the cracks: How service gaps leave children with neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health difficulties without the care they need.
- Authors
Ono, Erika; Friedlander, Robin; Salih, Tamara
- Abstract
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties, and when neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders do co-occur, children and their families frequently face multiple barriers as they try to access services and resources. A literature review indicates that there is a lack of specialized mental health services for patients with a dual diagnosis, and the resulting inadequate level of community supports has placed the burden of care on families. Services for children in BC with a dual diagnosis are delivered by different agencies and programs, primarily under the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the province's health authorities. Depending on the specifics of the diagnoses, children may be eligible for community support services, outpatient mental health services, and inpatient psychiatry services. However, because of system fragmentation and insufficient collaboration and communication, obtaining these services can be challenging and many children are falling through the cracks. Four clinical vignettes illustrate how children and their families trying to access support face barriers, including bureaucratic processes, lack of respite, out-of-home service obstacles, and limited specialized training for care providers. Policy changes are needed to ensure a wraparound approach to care based on integrative interagency and cross-agency practices.
- Subjects
CHILD psychiatry; MENTAL health services; MENTAL health; BURDEN of care; DUAL diagnosis
- Publication
British Columbia Medical Journal, 2019, Vol 61, Issue 3, p114
- ISSN
0007-0556
- Publication type
Article