The need for services provided by the MHERC is profound. The growth of professional
journals, the emergence of the Internet as an information source, and misguided
attempts by the lay media to provide accurate information have all served
to create an atmosphere of confusion. When parents or professionals are grappling
with a child's problems, finding some information is easy, but the information
found can be confusing or conflicting, and the credibility of the source unclear.
Our experiences, as well as results of a local survey indicate
that the need for this type of service is necessary. The MHERC is always
in the process of acquiring library resources and developing a database of
information in these four specialty areas. Our goal is to provide high quality
information to families and professionals alike. Ideally, all services will
be provided free of charge, ensuring that all will have unrestricted access
to this much needed information.
We encourage
you to provide us we feedback about the job we're doing, and to make suggestions
for improving the services outlined below.
- Focus On
Alternative Schooling: Having options regarding alternative schooling
has become increasingly important within the educational environment of
the United States. The Alternative Schooling Information Service (ASIS)
of the MHERC will collect and organize information about schools that
provide an alternative to a standard public school education. This information
will include private and residential schools, and alternative programs
and curriculum within the public school system. Whether you agree with
the concept or not, school voucher programs have been adopted by
many states, and may become a national standard. Because of these changes,
the need for credible information on alternative schooling had never been
greater and is continuing to increase. The purpose of ASIS is to provide
accurate and helpful information about the alternative school options
available in the United States.
-
Focus
On Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Childhood anxiety and mood disorders
represent some of the major mental health problems of youth in the United
States. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that anxiety disorders may
actually be on the increase. The MHERC provides information about agoraphobia,
acute stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic-disorder,
post-traumatic stress disorder. school phobia, selective mutism, and social
phobia. Information on each of these disorders includes psychosocial treatment
(such as behavior therapy, or individual counseling) as well as information
on the appropriate use of medications (see CPIS below).
-
Focus
on Eating Disorders: Eating disorders account for a significant
number of child and adolescent problems. With funding assistance from
a private foundation, MHERC staff has recently secured a wide range
of resources on the diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and treatment of
eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and related problems. In
addition, the IRC has information on school-based curricula available
for use within public and private school settings.
-
Focus
on Child Psychopharmacology: The Child Psychopharmacology Information
Service (CPIS) has been operating for nearly a decade. This successful
operation will continue providing information to medical and education
professionals related to the use of prescription medications for treating
child mental illness. The CPIS has an extensive collection of information
pertaining to medication selection, side effects, efficacy, and outcome
research.
