The ten core competencies outlined in the report could address existing gaps in youth- and young-adult-centered mental health systems, and they reflect values that translate into skills, attitudes, knowledge, and abilities of system participants.
Children are the poorest Americans. One in 5 live in poverty, and 4 in 10 are low income. The rate is even higher for children of color, who will make up half of all children within the next few years. Despite working hard, low-income families struggle to make ends meet because of low wages, lack of education and employment opportunities, and racial barriers imposed by discriminatory policies and systemic bias. This has lifelong consequences, stunting young people’s development and limiting their job prospects. Addressing these issues requires policies that meet both children’s and parents’ needs. That’s why CLASP advocates for federal, state, and local policies that address the needs of families together. This includes child care and early education, health care and nutrition assistance, connecting youth to education and work, and addressing racial inequities in our education and employment systems.
