Purpose of review: Policy development is essential for the development of child and adolescent mental health services. The gaps in policy and knowledge on how to develop policy have hindered the development of sustainable services.
Recent findings: The WHO has now objectively identified gaps in child and adolescent mental health policy and services worldwide through its Atlas project. Others have identified the need to use evidence-based interventions in developing services and the need for ongoing evaluation. These latter elements are essential for effective policy implementation.
Summary: Data are now available worldwide to move forward with advocacy for child and adolescent mental health policy development.