Annual Report to Congress on the Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families

Child Outcomes

Preliminary findings show improvements for children who are in services for up to 1 year.

Behavioral and Emotional Problems Were Reduced

The number of children with severe behavioral and emotional symptoms as indicated by a Total Problem Score on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) above the 90th percentile decreased by 17 percent after 1 year in services (see Figure ES-1).

Clinical Functioning Improved

After 1 year in services, more than twice as many children had scores below 40 on the Child, Adolescent, and Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) than at intake (see Figure ES-2). Scores below 40 indicate that children are no longer considered to be clinically impaired.

School Attendance Improved

The number of children with regular school attendance increased by 10 percent over the level reported at intake (i.e., entry into services) (see Table ES-1).

School Performance Improved

The number of children with Average or Above Average grades increased by 11 percent over the levels observed at intake (see Table ES-1).

Law Enforcement Contacts Were Reduced

No law enforcement contacts were reported after 1 year in services among 55 percent of the children with one or more contacts at the time of entry into services (see Figure ES-3).

Residential Stability Improved

A single residential living arrangement was reported after 1 year in services for 59 percent of the children for whom two or more living arrangements had been reported at the time of entry into services (see Figure ES-4).

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