Sensitivities, Skills, and Services: Mental Health Roles in the Implementation of Part H of PL 99-457 the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986. An Issue Paper.

The report analyzes roles of mental health professionals in implementing Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986, which established the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). A December, 1987, conference of administrators, clinicians, policymakers, and parent representatives from federal, state, and community programs considered the mental health needs of children from birth through age 2. This document reports their discussions of: (1) the population of infants and toddlers needing mental health attention and services through P.L. 99-457 and other programs; (2) elements of a continuum of mental health services; and (3) possible roles and responsibilities for mental health professionals and agencies serving infants, toddlers, and their families within the framework of P.L. 99-457. Contributions of mental health professionals can include their sensitivities to emotional and psychosocial issues; their skills in screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and program evaluation; and their current services in the private sector, voluntary agencies, community mental health centers, school systems, and state mental health agencies. Questions to guide program planning are offered as is a listing of 11 resource organizations. Appended are a summary of P.L. 99-457, a list of the meeting's participants, a list of state Part H lead agency contacts, and the CASSP annual report. (DB)