Assessing the mental health needs of young people living in state care using the strengths and difficulties questionnaires

Young people living in the state care system are often reported to experience poorer levels of mental health and wellbeing. Government policy encourages a holistic approach to the assessment of all aspects of health and wellbeing of these young people. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a mental health screener for young people aged four to 16 years, was administered to a number of young people living in state care and a sample not living in state care as part of the Youth Development Study being undertaken at Queens University Belfast.