To understand the impact of mental health disorders in children, it is important to recognize the number of children in our community and the prevalence of these disorders. It is estimated that there are currently 176,335 children and adolescents in Travis County (EPIGRAM TX: birth - 17 = 176,335). The number of students currently in Travis County school districts (kindergarten to 12th grade) is 106,767 (Table 7-18). The difference in these two numbers may indicate a number of children and adolescents being home schooled, not enrolled in any school, delinquency, drop-outs, attending private schools, residential treatment, too young to attend school, etc. In Travis County, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of children experience some symptoms related to mental illness. This equates to between 17,633 to 26,450 children and adolescents (USDHHS, 1999 and EPIGRAM TX: birth - 17 = 176,335) The following two tables (Table 7-20 and 21) reflect the number of students in Travis County School Districts and the prevalence of specific disorders.
Figure 7-9 reflects the percentage of children and adolescents receiving psychiatric emergency admissions and screenings by referral. Each year the majority of children and adolescents receive services at a mental health clinic, which consist of referrals from school districts, families, and juvenile justice. Second psychiatric services are provided outside the clinic (other) to schools, shelters, and juvenile justice programs. Finally, psychiatric emergency services are provided at the home. Between fiscal year 2000 and 2001, Travis County has noticed a 15% increase in psychiatric admissions and screenings.
Table 7-22 reflects most frequent diagnoses for children under 18 served by the Austin Child Guidance Center and the Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center.
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Children's Mental Health Home Page
