A fact sheet outlining children's mental health as a public health issue:

The Problem:

The current rate of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among children and youth – and the broken systems that fail to meet their needs – has immense negative consequences for our families, communities, and society in general. 

Risk Factors Decrease the Likelihood of Positive Outcomes:

Risk factors for children’s mental health include some things that can be changed, such as community
violence, poverty, insufficient housing, and poor nutrition.

Protective Factors Increase the Likelihood of Positive Outcomes:

Protective factors for children’s mental health include some things that can be built around children, such as safe and supportive communities, neighborhoods and schools with clear rules and consequences as well as high expectations for their children.