Family focused practice with parents with mental illness

Abstract

Background: There has been increasing evidence of the benefits of family focused interventions when working with parents with mental illness and their families. These interventions address the bidirectional impact of parental mental illness on both parent and child outcome. In response to this, National COPMI has developed a range of resources and online training to support evidence-based family focused approaches. While the evaluation of these initiatives in Australia is in the early stages, the clinical experience is building supporting the benefits of these approaches. Objectives: The presentation will introduce the method, Let's Talk, and the resources available. The role of this intervention when working with parents with mental illness will be highlighted. Methods: Case vignettes and video material will be used to highlight aspects of this intervention and the potential role within the adult mental health setting. Findings: The approach utilized within Let's Talk has been effective in overcoming some of the barriers to engagement in family focused work. It provides a framework for clinicians to support consumers in their parenting role, respond the needs of children and reduce the bidirectional impact of parental mental illness. Conclusions: The experience of these interventions is promising with regard to potential benefit to both the consumer and their family. Factors that will support implementation need further exploration.L719046302015-06-12 <br />