To understand the impact of mental health disorders in children, it
is important to recognize the number of children in our community and
the prevalence of these disorders. It is estimated that there are currently
176,335 children and adolescents in Travis County (EPIGRAM TX: birth
- 17 = 176,335). The number of students currently in Travis County
school districts (kindergarten to 12th grade) is 106,767 (Table 7-18).
The difference in these two numbers may indicate a number of children
and adolescents being home schooled, not enrolled in any school, delinquency,
drop-outs, attending private schools, residential treatment, too young
to attend school, etc. In Travis County, it is estimated that 10-15
percent of children experience some symptoms related to mental illness.
This equates to between 17,633 to 26,450 children and adolescents (USDHHS,
1999 and EPIGRAM TX: birth - 17 = 176,335) The following two tables
(Table 7-20 and 21) reflect the number of students in Travis County
School Districts and the prevalence of specific disorders.
Figure 7-9 reflects the percentage of children and adolescents receiving
psychiatric emergency admissions and screenings by referral. Each year
the majority of children and adolescents receive services at a mental
health clinic, which consist of referrals from school districts, families,
and juvenile justice. Second psychiatric services are provided outside
the clinic (other) to schools, shelters, and juvenile justice programs.
Finally, psychiatric emergency services are provided at the home. Between
fiscal year 2000 and 2001, Travis County has noticed a 15% increase
in psychiatric admissions and screenings.
Table 7-22 reflects most frequent diagnoses for children under 18
served by the Austin Child Guidance Center and the Austin Travis County
Mental Health Mental Retardation Center.
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