Mental health of children in counselling institutions: Empirical findings from Flanders (Belgium)

Abstract

We examined the prevalence and correlates of mental health problems in a representative sample of children six years or older living in counselling institutions in Flanders (Belgium), using the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) and a self-developed questionnaire. Data were gathered from 256 children. The findings showed that seriously deviant problem behaviours and psychopathology were highly prevalent in this group, that children's problems were complex and only marginally to moderately affected by institution, educator, and child characteristics. Further, children's problems tended to increase across time. Most children received professional help for their problems, either inside or outside the institution.