MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE: WELCOMING AND CONTINUOUS SUPPORT

Abstract

The increase in diagnoses of mental disorders in childhood and adolescence, together with the constitutional provision of health as a fundamental right, highlights the social and legal relevance of child and adolescent mental health. This scenario imposes the need to deepen the discussion on care strategies that ensure healthy development and social inclusion. The objective is to analyze the social and individual impacts of mental disorders in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, qualified support, and continuous follow-up, as well as the coordination between family, school, and health services. To this end, a bibliographic research was conducted using a deductive approach, grounded in specialized literature and in legislation relevant to the field of health, covering the period from 2020 to 2026. Thus, it is observed that fragility in early identification and the integration of care networks can intensify vulnerabilities and compromise integral development. It is concluded that the realization of the right to child and adolescent mental health requires intersectoral public policies, humanized care practices, and continuous monitoring, capable of ensuring protection, health promotion, and social inclusion.