Changing Generations I: Children, Adolescents and Young People

Abstract

This chapter reviews the societal and political context in which there was an evolution of approaches to address the mental health needs of children and young people. In the 1960s and 1970s, stimulated by socio-cultural changes, new innovations in therapeutic approaches were introduced, including family therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The first major longitudinal and epidemiological research studies were carried out. In the 1970s and 1980s, there were challenges to the state's capacity to deal with a variety of social problems and various forms of child maltreatment were identified. A national multidisciplinary assessment and management framework was introduced aimed at protecting the child, supporting families and developing appropriate treatment initiatives. In the 1990s and 2000s, further interventions were developed to reverse the impact of social exclusion—for example, Sure Start. There was a consolidation of practice, including both general and highly specialised services, and further development in research and training. The issue of the safety and control of the Internet is a constant and continuing theme. Offenders can be helped anonymously to break the addictive cycle through 'Stop it Now'. Children, young people and parents can be helped to understand the beneficial and harmful risks associated with Internet use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)