Germany is one of many nations characterized by an increasing number of children originating from families with a migration background. Medical treatment modalities will be required to adjust for diversity of social and cultural background. Initiated by the Federal Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (BKJPP), representing mainly those psychiatrists working in private practice, and by the Federal Working Commission of Medical Directors employed in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics (BAG), a questionnaire was constructed to identify mental health professionals' (psychiatrists') evaluation of the needs and quality of diagnosis and treatment for migrant families. The current study focused on medical directors and deputy chief physicians in clinics for child and adolescent psychiatry. Preliminary results of this survey - implementing descriptive statistics as well as univariate and multivariate statistical analyses - permitted an assessment of the current state of identification and treatment of migrant offspring attending child and adolescent psychiatric practices in Germany. Recommendations and concrete steps are offered, which aim to promote "cultural opening", and assist in health and social policy makers' decisions for improved mental health care. © 2014 by De Gruyter 2014.

Migration families social policy makers Germany Mental health Child and adolescent psychiatry

Germany health care policy human Adolescent Psychiatry psychiatrist middle aged sex difference health service Aged clinical practice Cultural Competency administrative personnel medical practice cultural competence mental health care Health Services Needs and Demand Mental Disorders health personnel attitude Attitude of Health Personnel Physician's Practice Patterns Humans migrant family psychology male Emigrants and Immigrants female Child Rearing Review questionnaire cultural factor medical profession child psychiatry organization and management Questionnaires adult major clinical study migration physician health care access age Sex Factors Age Factors Physician Executives parental attitude Health Services Accessibility health care delivery