Family Involvement in Child Mental Health: Exploring Policies and Practices from Community-Based Mental Health Centers
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| Title: | Family Involvement in Child Mental Health: Exploring Policies and Practices from Community-Based Mental Health Centers |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sheila Sjolseth (ORCID |
| Source: | Child & Youth Care Forum. 2026 55(1):177-204. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 28 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Family Involvement, Children, Mental Health, Client Characteristics (Human Services), Mental Health Programs, Community Centers, Policy, Resilience (Psychology), Barriers, Program Implementation, Well Being, Interdisciplinary Approach, Cooperation, Labor Force Development |
| Geographic Terms: | Alabama |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10566-025-09872-6 |
| ISSN: | 1053-1890 1573-3319 |
| Abstract: | Background: Outlined by the social organizational theory of action and change, community organizations such as community-based mental health (CBMH) centers play a crucial role in improving child mental health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of CBMH center policies in supporting families and bolstering family resilience during treatment remains underexplored. Objective: This dual-site, multi-informant qualitative study examined CBMH centers' policies and related practices around family support and involvement during child mental health treatment in Alabama Methods: A content analysis was conducted using two data sources: (a) CBMH center policies, and (b) interviews with CBMH policy administrators Results: The theory-driven analysis revealed that 6% of the policy textual data aligned with the family resilience framework. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews identified barriers to family-centered care, complexities in managing policy dynamics, and recommendations for improvement. Key barriers included workforce challenges, privacy regulations, and insurance restrictions. Administrators emphasized the need for comprehensive family-centered models, streamlined consent processes, and improved staff training Conclusions: The analysis revealed notable gaps in addressing family resilience within CBMH policies and practices. By addressing identified barriers and implementing recommendations, CBMH centers can create a more family-centered approach that promotes family well-being and optimizes child mental health outcomes. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing family resilience through interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing local context, enhancing workforce development, and leveraging external opportunities to facilitate family-inclusive treatment. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505872 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Background: Outlined by the social organizational theory of action and change, community organizations such as community-based mental health (CBMH) centers play a crucial role in improving child mental health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of CBMH center policies in supporting families and bolstering family resilience during treatment remains underexplored. Objective: This dual-site, multi-informant qualitative study examined CBMH centers' policies and related practices around family support and involvement during child mental health treatment in Alabama Methods: A content analysis was conducted using two data sources: (a) CBMH center policies, and (b) interviews with CBMH policy administrators Results: The theory-driven analysis revealed that 6% of the policy textual data aligned with the family resilience framework. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews identified barriers to family-centered care, complexities in managing policy dynamics, and recommendations for improvement. Key barriers included workforce challenges, privacy regulations, and insurance restrictions. Administrators emphasized the need for comprehensive family-centered models, streamlined consent processes, and improved staff training Conclusions: The analysis revealed notable gaps in addressing family resilience within CBMH policies and practices. By addressing identified barriers and implementing recommendations, CBMH centers can create a more family-centered approach that promotes family well-being and optimizes child mental health outcomes. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing family resilience through interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing local context, enhancing workforce development, and leveraging external opportunities to facilitate family-inclusive treatment. |
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| ISSN: | 1053-1890 1573-3319 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10566-025-09872-6 |
