Samenvatting

In 2013, the Joint Action Plan for Mental Health and Well-being (JA-MH-WB) was launched as a collaborative effort by the European Union and the 28 Member States. It aims were to build a framework for action mental health policy at the European level and builds on previous work developed under the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being in 2008 (The Joint Action Plan for Mental Health and Well-being, n,d).
This dissertation examines one area highlighted by the JA-MH-WB: Mental Health & Schools. The scope of this dissertation is limited
a) to the Netherlands and Hungary, and
b) “schools” are defined as the youth population of 0-18 years whom pass through their respective educational systems.
The central question of this dissertation is therefore as follows; ‘what are the strengthsand weaknesses of the Joint Action Plan for Mental Health and Well-being in the sector ‘Mental health and schools’ in the Netherlands and Hungary’?
The JA-MH-WB is in response to the significant mental health issue in the EU. The JA-MH-WB presents a series of objectives, which it recommends that the Member States address. It is hampered by a lack of specified goals and the lack of means at EU level to stimulate or enforce Member States to act. This dissertation examines the different organizational approaches taken by the Netherlands and Hungary, considers challenges and how funding, resources and information are disseminated. Progress seems to have been made in both countries, however, there are few seminal documents available to calibrate actions undertaken. Changes in the status of the mental health of a population will also be difficult to quantify at a national level until many years. The true impact of the JA-MH-WB is expected require several years of continued effort by politicians, government
officials and agencies, health care professionals etc. Some of the reported immediate challenges and concerns are presented such as funding and resources. Available data shows that a response to mental health is essential for the economic and social wellbeing of the EU. The JA-MH-WB is a European wide initiative, which similar to other EU Joint Action Plans can be improved through
continued energy and focus. Some opportunities for research and improvement to the Plan are presented.