Mental health services for children of substance abusing parents: voices from the community

Community Ment Health J. 2012 Feb;48(1):22-8. doi: 10.1007/s10597-010-9357-6. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how to improve services for children of parents with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) with unmet mental health needs. Focus groups were conducted with parents and caregivers to identify perceived barriers to services, including: (1) attitudes and beliefs about mental health care, (2) inadequacies in mental health services, (3) children's ambivalence about treatment, and (4) parental disagreement and lack of involvement. Peer support, afterschool activities, and family counseling were identified as potential improvements. This information can serve as a foundation and guide to develop services for the underserved population of children and adolescents of substance abusing parents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Child of Impaired Parents* / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pennsylvania
  • Qualitative Research
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires