Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Development in Children and Youth

Healthy mental, emotional and behavioral development are protective against suicide. The publication of Preventing Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders among Young People: Progress and Possibilities made a strong research-based case for supporting mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) interventions in 2009. In the ten years since, a growing body of research has significantly strengthened understanding of healthy MEB development, factors that influence it, and how it can be fostered. This report discusses MEB influences in several environments; strategies to address MEB in homes, schools, healthcare and policy domains; and guidelines for implementation.