Relationships Between Youth and Caregiver Strengths and Mental Health Outcomes in Community Based Public Mental Health Services

To examine relationships between youth and caregiver strengths and behavioral health outcomes for youth in community service settings. Strengths and behavioral health needs of youth (N = 793) receiving Home and Community Based Services Waiver from 2002–2008 were characterized using the child and adolescent needs and strengths mental health assessment. Comparisons of assessment scores at admission and program completion were conducted using Chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA and Cohen’s d effect size. Associations between strengths at admission and having behavioral health needs met were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Youth had high levels of needs on mental health, risk and functioning dimensions at admission. All needs improved significantly over the course of the service episode. Youth and caregiver strengths at admission were associated with significant improvements in youth behavioral needs areas at discharge. The findings support the importance of assessing and incorporating youth and caregiver strengths in planning and delivering public mental health services.