A phenomenological investigation of kinship involvement in the lives of children whose parents have mental illness.

Background and purpose: Mental health services rarely reach children whose parents have mental illness despite their poor outcomes. There is a need to consider how mental health practitioners can prioritize the needs of these children and their families. This study examined kinship involvement in the lives of children whose parents have mental illness.

Methods: A phenomenological design was used, interviewing 20 children (aged 10-17 years) in families with parental mental illness (PMI) in Ghana. The interview data was analysed to attain the essential features of what kinship support looks like for children and their families.

Results: The essential feature of kinship support for children and families with PMI is characterized by uncertainty. However, there is an overall impression that kinship is generally supportive to these families, providing respite services, assistance with daily living, emotional support and advice to children and families. Yet, there is a sense that kinship may not always be helpful to these families.

Conclusions: Kinship support is integral in countries where formal mental health services are inadequate and should be explored/harnessed by mental health practitioners. The study provides directions into ways practitioners can utilize kinship as a resource when working with these families.