The City Council of Santa Eulària has consolidated in only six months of activity the positive impact of the Health Psychological Assistance Service (SAPS) for minors, attending already 47 cases since its inauguration last April 15. This project, a pioneer at the local level in the Balearic Islands, was created to address the growing number of emotional and psychological disorders affecting young children.
Immediate and free attention
The SAPS, managed by the Department of Social Welfare, offers free and professional care for minors with problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem and excessive use of new technologies. Its approach ensures rapid interventions thanks to referrals from the Family Guidance Service (SOF), which performs an initial assessment of each case. With an afternoon schedule, the service seeks not to interfere with the children’s school activities. So far, the team has assisted 21 children (from 7 to 11 years old) and 26 adolescents (from 12 to 16 years old), with problems of emotional regulation, persistent sadness and low self-esteem being the most common. In addition, a notable problematic use of new technologies has been detected in both age ranges. Among the cases treated, three adolescents presented behaviors of self-harm or verbalizations related to suicide, which motivated their referral to the Mental Health Unit of Childhood and Adolescence in the Pitiusas Islands, dependent on the Balearic Government. These cases reflect the importance of a specialized intervention to ensure the welfare of young people.
Commitment to the future
The Santa Eulària City Council reaffirms its commitment to the mental health of its youngest population, highlighting the effort to meet a growing need. The SAPS not only provides immediate support, but also represents a step forward in the fight against the stigma associated with mental health problems in minors, promoting a healthier and safer environment for their development.
