Ethnicity and externalizing behaviors in children: a disparity study of the clinical journey.

Children and young people referred to mental health services often have complex and comorbid mental health difficulties which are frequently not obvious at referral. This may inadvertently increase inequalities in health since the burden of externalising problems is greatest among children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In particular, significant ethnic health inequalities have become evident in recent years; understanding and narrowing inequity is therefore essential. This project, therefore, aims to explore ethnic differences in the care pathway for children who score high for problem externalising behaviours referred to mental health services.