Mental Health Prevention in Services for Children

doi:10.1017/9781009110266.021

Chapter 21 - Mental Health Prevention in Services for Children

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 October 2025

Matthew Lister and

Edited by

Shermin Imran: Affiliation:
Greater Manchester NHS Foundation Trust

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Summary

The concept of prevention in health and welfare has long been recognised as crucial, yet its practical implementation remains complex. This chapter delves into the significance of prevention as a fundamental principle in addressing societal challenges and individual health outcomes. With a focus on the links between adversity, societal issues and health burdens, the economic rationale for preventive measures becomes apparent. Recent attention has been drawn to prevention and early intervention, particularly in light of the long-term consequences of early adversity on physical and mental health. Government initiatives in the UK, such as the establishment of Health and Wellbeing Boards and emphasis on prevention in health services, underscore the growing importance of prevention strategies. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for proactive prevention measures in health and welfare policies. This chapter explores the meaning of prevention, theoretical considerations, practical clinical strategies and the role of senior health professionals in promoting prevention in children’s mental health services.

Keywords

prevention health and welfare societal challenges individual health outcomes adversity economic rationale early intervention government initiatives Covid-19 pandemic senior health professionals

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Seminars in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , pp. 323 - 338

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009110266.021 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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