Participation of Children and Youth in Mental Health Policymaking: A Scoping Review [Part I]

AbstractAlthough youth participation is oft-acknowledged as underpinning mental health policy and service reform, little robust evidence exists about the participation of children and youth in mental health policymaking. A scoping review based on Arksey and O ’Malley’s framework was conducted to identify and synthesize available information on children and youth’s participation in mental health policymaking. Published studies up to November 30, 2020 were searched in Medline (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), Scopus, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abst racts (PROQUEST). Further studies were identified through Google Scholar and a grey literature search was conducted using Google and targeted web searches from October to December, 2020. Three reviewers performed screening and data extraction relevant to the review objective, followed by an online consultation. From 2,981 records, 25 publications were included. A lack of diversity among the youth involved was found. Youth were often involved in situational analysis and policy design, but seldom in policy implementation and evaluation. Both the facilitators of and barriers to participation we re multifaceted and interconnected. Despite a range of expected outcomes of participation for youth, adults, organizations, and communities, perceived and actual effects were neither substantially explored nor reported. Our recommendations for mental health policymaking highlight the inclusion of ch ildren and youth from diverse groups,...

Source: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research - November 10, 2022 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research