Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs Post COVID-19 Pandemic
The majority of youth and families to be served come from low-income households and are among the most vulnerable populations. The Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee propose a project that intends to explore innovative models, strategies, and programs that reduce barriers and improve access to youth mental health care and family support from youth-serving agencies, schools, and mental health providers across the nation. Three participating Club organizations also intend to assess further the specific mental health needs of youth and families in their communities, pilot the Positive Action curriculum to build youth’s social and emotional learning skill-sets, and build resiliency. They also intend to pilot strategies with partners to improve youth and family access to mental health care in their community and offer supportive services to families. Expected outcomes include improved access to mental health care, improved mental health for youth and families, and improved social and emotional learning skills.