Abstract
M.A.
A child that is mentally healthy develops psychologically, emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually (Dwivedi & Harper, 2004). Therefore the researcher is of the opinion that the mental health of children is integral in successful development. It was however observed that there are challenges associated with providing for the needs of children with mental health problems. Often attributed to a lack of knowledge, child care workers, social workers and other staff appear to not have the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to deal appropriately with children with mental health problems in child and youth care centres.
This study therefore investigates the identified gap in service delivery, and what could be done to minimise it. It attempts to explore the characteristics of a child with a mental health problem, what their emanating needs are, and what guidelines exist that may help to provide for the identified needs. In exploring these guidelines, the roles of different role-players involved on different ecosystemic levels, are also explored. This exploration is conducted by utilising qualitative research methods only. A literature study firstly explores relevant social work, mental health, psychiatric and legislative literature. Secondly, focus groups are conducted with key role-players that work with children with mental health problems. These two sources provide the researcher with information pertaining to the objectives and goal of this research study.
The ultimate goal of this study is to provide a management programme to mainstream and specialised child and youth care centres, on how to care optimally for children with mental health problems. When this goal is achieved, the field of social work amid children will benefit tremendously. Not only can such a programme assist in the enhancement of the mental health of children in child and youth care centres, but it may provide the foundation for future development in this.