Towards a holistic approach to children’s rights in Lithuanian mental health policy: a case study

Abstract

SummaryA holistic approach to children's right to health requires that a disorder-oriented approach and a health promoting perspective are considered equal priorities. However, the mental health policy in many countries is still oriented towards the biomedical treatment of disorders rather than preventive and promotional measures. In this paper we argue that a successful implementation of a health-promoting approach can be achieved through sustainable investment in sectoral cooperation, capacity-building and political will. Using the example of Lithuanian mental health policy, we show how the shortcomings affecting each determinant impede progress in prioritizing a health promotion perspective and thus a holistic approach to children's right to health. Our findings suggest that the application of a holistic approach in Lithuania might face many challenges and obstacles, such as a high number of vulnerable children, the quality of child and family support services, and the still minimal and fragmented interest of policy makers in improving children's mental health.children's rights/child mental health/holistic approach to healthcare/health policies in Lithuania

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Lessons for Policy Development and Implementation

“…Therefore, we did not present specific services organizing models, but only selected general lessons, which may be applicable for or can provide inspiration for LMICs. For example, the holistic approach to CAMH was not included, because the literature shows that even HICs such as Lithuania faced many challenges and obstacles in its implementation (31). To better solve challenges for LMICs, more research based on local experience and expertise is in extreme need.…”

“…Child and adolescent mental health problem is viewed as consequence of socioeconomic inequities and difficulties and as socioeconomic burden in the future (30). More recently, positive mental health is proposed, which emphasizes that mental health is not only the absence of mental disorders but also positive child development (8,31,32). Scientific evidence and social and cultural context should be considered when thinking CAMH in LMICs.…”