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Clinical social work practice with former system youth with mental health needs: perspective of those in need
- Authors:
- MUNSON Michelle R., LOX Jeffrey A.
- Journal article citation:
- Clinical Social Work Journal, 40(2), 2012, pp.255-260.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
The purpose of this study is to describe the types of programmes and mental health services former system youth with mental health histories would be inclined to engage in to manage their mental health difficulties, along with the factors that might hinder them from engaging in these services. A series of closed and open-ended questions on potential programmes and services were asked, as part of a larger study. Participants were former system youth; specifically 18–30 year olds who were diagnosed with a mood disorder and were involved with public mental health and social services (e.g., public welfare, child welfare, juvenile justice) during childhood. Responses to the open-ended questions were categorised and percentages are reported from the yes/no items. Eighty-three percent and 76% reported that they would be enticed to come to a support group and panel discussion on mood disorders, respectively, while only 46% reported that they would attend a family support group. Talking with others who have had similar experiences, material possessions and creative expression were the most common responses regarding what would entice them to get involved. Further, peer disrespect, transportation, and daycare were common barriers to potential participation. As the field continues to build knowledge on system-wide strategies to improve agency-based mental health care for transitioning youth and young adults, new evidence-based approaches may benefit from listening to the specific needs, preferences, and suggestions of these youth themselves. (Publisher abstract)
Attitudes toward mental health services and illness perceptions among adolescents with mood disorders
- Author:
- MUNSON Michelle R.
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 26(5), October 2009, pp.447-466.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Seventy adolescents were recruited from the greater Cleveland area to investigate how they perceived their mood disorders and their attitudes toward mental health services. The study also explored the relationships between demographics, clinical characteristics, perceptions of illness and attitudes. Finally, the psychometric properties of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised were examined. Structured interviews were conducted utilizing standardized instruments. Results show that adolescents with mood disorders have fairly positive attitudes, with Caucasian youth reporting more positive attitudes than their non-white counterparts. Illness perceptions were related to psychological openness and indifference to stigma.
Voices of parent advocates within the systems of care model of service delivery
- Authors:
- MUNSON Michelle R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- 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.
Knowledge of and attitudes towards behavioral health services among older youth in the foster care system
- Authors:
- MUNSON Michelle R., NARENDORF Sarah Carter, McMILLEN J. Curtis
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 28(2), April 2011, pp.97-112.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study examined knowledge of and attitudes toward services among 268 17-year olds with psychiatric diagnoses preparing to exit foster care. A structured interview assessed knowledge of services with vignette scenarios and attitudes with a standardized scale. Descriptive statistics described the extent of knowledge and attitudes among this population and regression analyses examined predictors of these dimensions of literacy. Most youth suggested a help source, but responses often lacked specificity. Gender and depression were the strongest predictors of knowledge and attitudes, respectively. Knowing which aspects of literacy are low, and for whom, can inform education efforts to improve access to care in adulthood.
Former system youth with mental health needs: routes to adult mental health care, insight, emotions, and mistrust
- Authors:
- MUNSON Michelle R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 33(11), November 2011, pp.2261-2266.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 60 young adults, aged between 18 and 25 years of age, who had previously been in foster care to explore their use of mental health services in their transition to adulthood. The young adults had histories which included mental disorder, use of publicly-funded mental health services, and use of additional public systems of care such as youth justice, special education or child welfare. Participants were recruited from one Midwestern state. Multi-phase analysis was conducted utilizing immersion/crystallization, constant comparison and concept matrices. Few participants received continuous mental health care across the transition, with the majority experiencing interruptions or discontinuation of care. Factors contributing to service use included physicians, former caseworkers and family. Health clinics and parenting programs emerged as potential entry points for reconnecting disengaged young adults to mental health services. Insight, mistrust, and emotions emerged as novel factors associated with service utilization among young adults.