The acceptability of a single session family focused approach for children/young people and their parents attending a child and youth mental health service

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This pilot study contributes to the parenting intervention literature by considering the acceptability of a single session, family focused approach using The Family Model in families with two generations of mental ill health attending a child-oriented mental health service. The Family Model provides clinicians with a visual diagram to support a semi-structured conversation between family members with the aim of developing a shared care plan. Service user and clinician experience regarding the acceptability of this intervention is provided. Method: Self-report questionnaire feedback was used to ascertain parent, child/young person and clinician experience following a single session using The Family Model. Feedback was analysed and organised into thematically similar categories and summarised. Results: Of the 43 family members involved, 32 provided feedback. Of the 12 clinicians, 6 provided feedback. Overall experience appeared positive. Key themes reported by family members included improvement in general communication and better shared understanding of the parent and child/young person’s predicament. Clinicians reported utility in developing a relational understanding of the problem and a family focused care plan. Discussion: Preliminary data indicate the acceptability of this single session intervention using The Family Model in a small sample of service users and clinicians in a public sector mental health setting. Further work is required to demonstrate feasibility and clinical utility in larger samples and different settings.