CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH AS A CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL WORK

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of children’s mental health as one of the key challenges for contemporary social work and education. It draws on theoretical perspectives emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic professional support. The aim is to introduce the concept of professional preparedness among social workers and teachers, which encompasses not only knowledge and skills but also the formation of professional identity, empathy, ethical understanding, and the ability to cooperate. The study is based on a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with professionals working in social services, education, and healthcare, supplemented by interviews with parents of children with mental health issues. The findings indicate that professional preparedness is a long-term process combining formal education, lifelong learning, practical experience, and supervision. Identified shortcomings in educational programs and practice highlight the need for a clearly defined competence framework, systematic support for professional development, and stronger collaboration among social workers, teachers, families, and the healthcare sector.