Parent advocates in children's mental health: program implementation processes and considerations.
Children's mental health service systems are increasingly utilizing peer support services to support families experiencing serious child mental illness. The literature provides few detailed accounts of such peer-based approaches. This study qualitatively examined the approaches and processes of "parent advocate" programs implemented in two Ohio counties for children served through publicly funded mental health services. Descriptions of each county's program, the background and roles of parent advocates, reasons families decline advocate services, and challenges to advocates' work with families are provided. Implications for the field in developing clear and effective administrative and practice structures for peer support services are discussed.
Davis
Tamara S
TS
College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. davis.2304@osu.edu
Scheer
Scott D
SD
Gavazzi
Stephen M
SM
Uppal
Reena
R
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009820:Ohio; D010290:Parents; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D016730:Program Development