Intersectoriality in the field of child and adolescent mental health: Proposal of occupational therapy in the school context

Abstract

Introduction: Child and adolescent mental health care is based on some care guidelines, including the permanent construction of the network and intersectoriality. It is pointed out that intersectoral actions between the fields of education and health are extremely important so that childcare and adolescents to occur in a meaningful and integral way. Objective: Identify the main demands regarding child development and mental health in the school context and to describe the possibilities of occupational therapy interventions in intersectoral practices in mental health with a focus on promotion and prevention. Method: This is an experience report related to a university extension project developed in a Child Education Unit. The activities developed in the project involved different actions, These are presented in two stages - the first one focused on the identification and mapping of difficulties and demands in the field of child development and mental health, and the second step refers to the actions carried out in this context, such as the insertion in classrooms and follow-up of the activities developed, the orientation and instrumentalization of teachers after insertion, and the reflection group for school staff and family members. Results: The interventions performed as positive were evaluated in order to contribute to the potentiation of the different contexts, being considered an important action of prevention and promotion of the development and the mental health of the children. Conclusion: Actions of this nature contribute to the development of children and adolescents, as they are fundamental in guaranteeing comprehensive and effective care.