Community Mental Health System for Children and Adolescents in Korea

Special Article

Psychiatry Investigation 2006;3(1):32-8.

Sungdo D. Hong, MD

Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Objective

:
TTo review the current status of the community mental health system for children and adolescents in Korea.

Method:
Computer-aided literature review of articles and documents published by the Korean government.

Results

In 2004, 24 community mental health centers participated in school mental health programs, and 500 community child centers provided various programs for protection, education, and cultural activities. Child and youth counseling services were supplied by 43 and 137 counseling centers, respectively. Approximately 23,500 children were enrolled in special schools. Throughout the year, about 4,000 cases of child abuse were reported from 38 child abuse centers and 35 probation and parole offices enlisted about 29,000 adolescents. Close to 19,000 children resided in 279 residential facilities of various kinds in the year 2003. Currently, roughly 2,100 adolescents enter training schools per annum.

Conclusion

The community mental health system should balance mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and treatment. Mental health promotion and prevention ought to begin in preschool. A significant level of redundancy in services provided by the government and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) was noted calling for greater collaboration and integration. Community mental health system based on the system of care philosophy should be developed for youth with severe emotional disorders.

Key words Community mental health;Children;Adolescents.