| Abstract | Očuvanje mentalnog zdravlja djece i mladih ključno je za njihov razvoj i budućnost, osobito u suvremenom društvu obilježenom stresom, brzim tempom života i rastućim pritiscima. Istražuje se uloga obitelji, okoline i stručnjaka, s posebnim naglaskom na socijalni rad, u promicanju mentalnog zdravlja mladih. Preventivni programi koji uključuju edukaciju roditelja, nastavnika i mladih te pružanje savjetodavne podrške pokazali su se učinkovitim u smanjenju rizika od mentalnih poremećaja. Jedan od sedam adolescenata u razdoblju između 10 i 19 godina doživi neki oblik mentalne teškoće. Socijalni radnici imaju važnu ulogu u pružanju podrške djeci i mladima s mentalnim teškoćama, djelujući kao prvi kontakt u sustavu socijalne skrbi. Njihova uloga uključuje ranu identifikaciju problema, intervenciju i kontinuiranu podršku, što pomaže u razvoju zdravih strategija suočavanja i izgradnji otpornosti. Integrirani pristup koji obuhvaća prevenciju, pravodobno prepoznavanje problema i sustavnu podršku osigurava zdrav razvoj mladih. Preventivni programi usmjereni su na jačanje emocionalnih i socijalnih vještina djece i mladih, smanjenje faktora rizika te poticanje pozitivnih obrazaca ponašanja kroz edukaciju i aktivno sudjelovanje roditelja, nastavnika i šire zajednice. Evaluacije postojećih programa pokazuju potrebu za kontinuiranom edukacijom stručnjaka i aktivnim uključivanjem zajednice, što doprinosi smanjenju stigmatizacije i osigurava adekvatnu podršku mladima. |
| Abstract (english) | The preservation of mental health in children and youth is crucial for their development and future, especially in today’s society marked by stress, a fast pace of life, and increasing pressures. This study examines the role of family, environment, and professionals, with a special focus on social work, in promoting the mental health of young people. Preventive programs that include educating parents, teachers, and youth and providing counseling support have proven effective in reducing the risk of mental disorders. One in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 experiences some form of mental difficulty. Social workers play an important role in supporting children and young people with mental health challenges, often serving as the first contact in the social care system. Their role includes early identification of problems, intervention, and ongoing support, which help in developing healthy coping strategies and building resilience. An integrated approach that encompasses prevention, timely identification of problems, and systematic support ensures the healthy development of young people. Preventive programs focus on strengthening the emotional and social skills of children and youth, reducing risk factors, and encouraging positive behavioral patterns through the education and active involvement of parents, teachers, and the broader community. Evaluations of existing programs highlight the need for ongoing education of professionals and active community involvement, which contribute to reducing stigma and ensuring adequate support for young people. |
