Annual Report to Congress on the Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families

Referral Sources

Referral sources included community agencies or individuals who refer families to systems of care.

Multiple Referral Sources Indicate Interagency Partnership in Systems of Care

Referrals came from a variety of places, with schools and mental health agencies referring the most. Schools referred 22 percent; 21 percent were referred by a mental health agency; 17 percent were referred by a social service agency; 11 percent were referred through courts and correctional institutions; and 16 percent were parent- or self-referred. The remaining 13 percent specified some other referral source (see Figure ES-10).

Self-Referral Was Related to Race or Ethnicity

Minority children and families were less likely to self-refer. Of those who self-referred, 72 percent were Caucasian; 15 percent were African American; and 7 percent were Hispanic. Of those who were referred by external sources, 52 percent were Caucasian; 25 percent were African American; and 12 percent were Hispanic (see Figure ES-11).

Table of Contents | Previous | Next