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The invisible children's project

Key ingredients of an intervention for parents with mental illness

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Abstract

This study used a collective case study design to identify key ingredients of the Invisible Children's Project, an intervention program for families in which a parent has a mental illness. Data were obtained from interviews with parents and service providers, and from family file records. Qualitative analyses were used to generate hypotheses regarding key ingredients and targeted outcomes, and to develop a testable intervention model. Key ingredients were defined as core processes, essential services, and mediators. Strong convergence across parents and providers suggested core processes defined by family-centered, strengths-based, emotionally supportive, and comprehensive approaches; essential services including family case management, 24-hour crisis services, access to flexible funds, liaison and advocacy, and mediators reflecting parent-provider trust and communication/cooperation, provider-provider trust, adoption of strengths-based approaches, development of appropriate treatment plans, parent engagement, and parent self-esteem/self-efficacy. A model of the intervention is presented, and results are discussed with respect to research and policy implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave N, 01655, Worcester, MA

    Beth R. Hinden PhD

  2. the Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass.

    Beth R. Hinden PhD (a research assistant professor)

  3. the Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass.

    Kathleen Biebel PhD (a research instructor)

  4. Psychiatry and Family Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass.

    Joanne Nicholson PhD (an associate professor)

  5. Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc, Goshen, NY

    Liz Mehnert LMSW (Division Director)

Authors
  1. Beth R. Hinden PhD
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  2. Beth R. Hinden PhD
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  3. Kathleen Biebel PhD
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  4. Joanne Nicholson PhD
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  5. Liz Mehnert LMSW
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Correspondence to Beth R. Hinden PhD.

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Hinden, B.R., Hinden, B.R., Biebel, K. et al. The invisible children's project. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 32, 393–408 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02384200

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