Four Issue Briefs Assessing the Challenges and Successes of School-Based Mental Health Care for Girls of Color
In partnership with Dr. Kimberlyn Leary, Associate Professor at Harvard University, we published four briefs assessing the challenges and successes of school-based mental health care for girls of color and analyzing the broader context of mental health and communities of color. These briefs were made possible by the generous support of the 4Girls Foundation.
Mental Health and Communities of Color
December 2019
Communities across the United States face an epidemic of untreated mental health disorders. Studies indicate that members of underrepresented groups are more likely to have experienced adversity during childhood — and there is expanding recognition that early exposure to traumatic experiences is itself a risk factor for later health problems, including anxiety and depression. Click the link below to read the full issue brief on this topic.
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Mental Health and Girls of Color
December 2019
Girls of color experience unique forms and rates of trauma and higher rates of school discipline and involvement in the juvenile justice system — which, in addition to increasing the risk for other negative outcomes, also raises their vulnerability to domestic sex trafficking, as reflected in their disproportionately high rates of representation among trafficking survivors. Click the link below to read the full issue brief on this topic.
The Promise and Challenge of School-Based Mental Health Care for Girls of Color
December 2019
The majority of youth who need mental health services don’t receive care — a trend that has persisted over time. The gap between the need for care and access to care is accentuated for youth of color. Because young people between the ages of 5 and 19 spend most of their waking hours in school settings, school-based health centers are particularly suited to close that gap. Click the link below to read the full issue brief on this topic.
Download The Promise and Challenge of School-Based Mental Health Care for Girls of Color Report
Mental Health, School-Based Health Centers, and Girls of Color: Policy and Practice Recommendations
December 2019
This compendium of policy and practice recommendations presents the proposals from the three issue briefs above to enhance mental health outcomes for girls of color. To understand the background and context for these recommendations, please review the full set of issue briefs (above).
