Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) policy in mainland China

Abstract

Although Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) poses a global challenge, there is a dearth of rigorous and systematic reviews of related policies in China. This study critically examines CAMH policies in mainland China to pinpoint existing challenges and gaps in different domains. Employing a mixed-method policy review, research findings uncover an increasing trend in CAMH policy development between 1991 and 2023, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Health Commission (NHC) serving as leading drivers in policy formulation and dissemination, in collaboration with other key stakeholders. However, amongst 52 relevant national-level policies identified, only seven exclusively target child and adolescent mental health, and none of which are laws but regulations, opinions, circulars, and plans, occupying lower positions within the authoritative policy hierarchy. This highlights gaps in specialized mental health policies for young people in mainland China, which mirror global trends and contribute to the exacerbated youth mental health challenges and sustained stigma. To bridge the twelve major gaps identified, we propose integrating the Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs as a promising tool within CAMH policy frameworks.