Journey Mapping in Children's Behavioral Health

This guide discusses the application of journey mapping in children's behavioral health, particularly for youth involved in multiple service systems such as child welfare and juvenile justice. It outlines how journey mapping serves as a visual representation of an individual's experience within these systems, highlighting key events, decisions, and service interactions. The document details the steps involved in journey mapping, including case selection, data gathering, visualization, community partner engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived experiences of children and families to identify service gaps and barriers. The guide also presents the potential outcomes and benefits of journey mapping, such as revealing systemic issues, centering lived experiences in decision-making, and informing policy and practice changes. By utilizing this method, agencies can enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for children and families facing behavioral health challenges.