Riverside County Mental Health Department - Children's Services*

There are very few "gap" shelters in Riverside County. These six-bed shelters fill the gap for children during an emotional break with their families. This temporary situation can often be corrected with the intervention of Mental Health Department personnel, which prevents children from committing acrime or being exploited.

Few clinics have day care treatment available. Day care treatment lasts four to five days per week at least four hours per day in specialized groups. Most clients are seen only one to two days per week for one to two hours. For some this is sufficient, but many need more intensive care. This lack of capability to treat properly is due to a shortage of personnel and space. 4.All mental health clinics have a long waiting list of children needing help. The length of time a child has to wait for help and the number waiting is different for each clinic. Historically, mental health problems worsen if treatment is delayed.