About MHSPP The Mental Health Services and Policy Program is a multidisciplinary research and educational program at Northwestern University. Led by Dr. John S. Lyons, MHSPP jointly administers a variety of social service programs with state agencies throughout Illinois.
Video Presentations Multimedia video presentations help providers learn about the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths(CANS) tool, using a taped lecture and slide show format. Topics covered include an overview of the CANS, a CANS-Trauma discussion, and a detailed review of CANS items.
Why The CANS The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths is a flexible communication tool designed to work at two levels - for the individual child and family, and for the system of care.
CANS On-Line Training The CANS On-Line Training program offers practice vignettes and tests that build proficiancy in the application of this decision-making tool. Users may print out their own award certificates upon successful completion of the on-line certificate test.
CANS Manual The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Manual includes a complete description of the CANS dimensions, objective anchors and rating categories; as well as comprehensive glossary of items. It is an invaluable resource for successful completion of the online certification program.
FAQs Learn the answer to questions like, “How is the CANS used? Is the CANS reliable and valid? How do the different CANS versions vary?”
Contact Us Have questions, comments or other feed back about the CANS? Click here for contact information.
News/Links Click here for news and links to other mental health organizations focused on services to children.
