Driving detection forward
“A small-scale evaluation of the tool conducted in oPt shows that over 75% of children were correctly identified - by teachers and community workers - as in need of mental health care. Given the large number of children who don’t get the help they need, this is a promising first step.”
Myrthe van den Broek, Researcher
Treatment gap
- Conflict-affected children face major barriers in accessing potentially life-saving mental healthcare services
- Barriers include low awareness of available services and the perception that treatment is ineffective; even shameful
- Innovative and low-cost solutions are urgently required
Low cost, high potential
The CCD Tool is made up of illustrated narratives depicting common examples of children experiencing emotional, behavioural and/or family problems. Each narrative is based on specific cultural idioms of distress to allow for simple identification – and can be adapted to the specific context in which it is used.
This simple, innovative format is inexpensive – and allows for widespread distribution. For more information on the set-up and development of this intervention download our dedicated fact sheet now.
Illustrated narratives
The page of illustrations is paired with a simple decision diagram – which allows trained community facilitators to identify children and families in need of support.
Facilitators can then refer people in need to an in-depth assessment performed by a trained professional – allowing for care or further referral to available services. Download the overview of our Sri Lanka tool here.
80%
The percentage of individuals in need of mental health care who are denied access. (Kohn, Saxena, Levav & Saraceno, 2004)
Our partners
The Community Case Detection Tool is driven through collaboration with partners from the humanitarian sector and beyond.
These partners include the Palestinian Counselling Center in oPt and ESCO (Eastern Self-Reliant Community Awakening Organization) in Sri Lanka.
Countries
A pilot study has been completed in nine schools and two community based organisations in oPt. Further research is ongoing in Sri Lanka.
76.9%
The percentage of children who were proactively detected through the tool as in need of psychological treatment during the pilot in oPt.
Our research agenda
To develop and test a strategy for community gate-keepers to encourage help seeking and increase access to services 2020-2021.
Research and development
How we ensure our work with children is effective
The War Child Care System is made up of nine Core Interventions, developed to address the urgent needs of conflict-affected children and their communities. These interventions are supported by a number of tools and enabling trajectories that serve to promote access to care and a process of localisation.
Meet our Research and Development Team
Myrthe is a PhD researcher at the University of Amsterdam with a Master of Science (MSc) in Anthropology. Myrthe is also a member of War Child’s Research and Development team where she leads our efforts to increase access to adequate services for children and adolescents in humanitarian settings.
