Children and Youth Services Review, 31(8), August 2009, pp.879-884.
Publisher:
Elsevier
A growing body of research suggests that the “systems of care” approach to children's mental health can be effective in improving children's behaviour and reducing stress on their families. What is less understood is how systems of care achieve these improvements. Through a series of focus groups, this study examined parent advocates, a key but understudied element of systems of care. Focus groups were conducted with parent advocates to examine how they themselves perceive their role within the systems of care model of service delivery. A research team identified several consistent themes from the focus group transcripts: unique role of parent advocates; similarities and differences between advocates and care managers; and, the value of having personal experience. For example, parent advocates saw themselves as navigators for families, helping them understand the system and access traditional and non-traditional services. Because of their own experiences with mental health services, parent advocates also believe they can communicate with family members in ways that professionals cannot. Results from this study can help strengthen the role of parent advocates by clarifying their contributions to service delivery. Future research should measure the extent to which parent advocates can produce the benefits identified in this study.
A growing body of research suggests that the “systems of care” approach to children's mental health can be effective in improving children's behaviour and reducing stress on their families. What is less understood is how systems of care achieve these improvements. Through a series of focus groups, this study examined parent advocates, a key but understudied element of systems of care. Focus groups were conducted with parent advocates to examine how they themselves perceive their role within the systems of care model of service delivery. A research team identified several consistent themes from the focus group transcripts: unique role of parent advocates; similarities and differences between advocates and care managers; and, the value of having personal experience. For example, parent advocates saw themselves as navigators for families, helping them understand the system and access traditional and non-traditional services. Because of their own experiences with mental health services, parent advocates also believe they can communicate with family members in ways that professionals cannot. Results from this study can help strengthen the role of parent advocates by clarifying their contributions to service delivery. Future research should measure the extent to which parent advocates can produce the benefits identified in this study.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, parents, advocacy, children;
Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International, 71, Winter 2010, pp.8-9.
Publisher:
National Centre for Disabled Parents
The advocacy services provided by Advocacy Partners Speaking Up to parents with learning disabilities and mental health needs are discussed. A short case study describes how the service helped a mother with learning disabilities and mental health needs whose child had been placed on a child protection plan.
The advocacy services provided by Advocacy Partners Speaking Up to parents with learning disabilities and mental health needs are discussed. A short case study describes how the service helped a mother with learning disabilities and mental health needs whose child had been placed on a child protection plan.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, parents, parents with learning disabilities, advocacy, child protection, parental mental health;
Anthology looking at the diverse experiences of young people in a multi-cultural society and of those who work with them. Contains chapters on: dyslexia; space, respect and support; young parents; racism and respect; incest survivors; eating disorders; AIDS; homelessness; young carers; school exclusion; community service; Saturday school; peer education about drugs; advocacy; bullying; crime; mental health; acting as an appropriate adult; fostering young people; and sexual health. Also contains papers from a teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential social worker and GP's point of view. Aimed at all those training to work with young people as well as those already doing so.
Anthology looking at the diverse experiences of young people in a multi-cultural society and of those who work with them. Contains chapters on: dyslexia; space, respect and support; young parents; racism and respect; incest survivors; eating disorders; AIDS; homelessness; young carers; school exclusion; community service; Saturday school; peer education about drugs; advocacy; bullying; crime; mental health; acting as an appropriate adult; fostering young people; and sexual health. Also contains papers from a teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential social worker and GP's point of view. Aimed at all those training to work with young people as well as those already doing so.
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, incest, homeless people, homelessness, mental health problems, parents, probation service, racism, residential child care, residential social workers, school exclusion, social care provision, teachers, teenage parents, young carers, young people, youth justice, advocacy, appropriate adult, carers, black and minority ethnic people, bullying, child sexual abuse, community service, drug misuse, dyslexia, eating disorders, education, general practitioners;