Children’s Mental Health

Cultivating a positive environment for children’s social and emotional development is equally as important as protecting their physical well-being. PCA Iowa is proud to support projects that focus on youth mental health.

Children’s Mental Health

PCA Iowa was awarded a grant through the Iowa Department of Human Services in FY18 and FY19 to work with a comprehensive group of key entities to meet several goals related to Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being. The Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being Collaborative is an initiative designed to engage community members in building caring connections to improve well-being.

Click here to download resources for a social awareness campaign for children’s mental health.

Now community-led, the Collaborative focuses on a multi-county region in Southeast Iowa to coordinate resources among its members. The group’s common goal is to ensure children and families receive effective prevention and early intervention services, including mental health services, which improve the child and family’s well-being.

Research shows that communities that develop more caring relationships have better overall physical and mental health, increased workplace productivity and school success as well as reduced crime and homelessness. Greater social connectedness also strengthens families from the start, reducing the likelihood that child abuse will occur.

The Collaborative covers Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Mahaska, Van Buren and Wapello counties. Its mission is to use diversified knowledge, expertise and networks to build, improve, and connect a sustainable system of prevention and responsive mental health support for children and families.

Find Your Local Resources