‘They are the children of our clients, they are our responsibility’: a phenomenological evaluation of a school holiday program for children of adult clients of a mental health service

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: A range of protective factors have been identified for children who have a parent with a mental illness including social connectedness and proactive intervention by the mental health workforce. However, adult mental health (AMH) services are often limited in their capacity to provide preventative and early intervention-based family inclusive care. This study aimed to explore the meaning and experience of participation in a biannual child focused program delivered by AMH services to the children of clients of the service; from the perspectives of children, parents and mental health clinicians.Method: The study was guided by an interpretative hermeneutic phenomenological approach, using semi-structured interviews and focus groups and thematic analysis.Results: Analysis of interviews with children and young people identified three themes related to their described experiences of the group: escapism, the unexpected comfort of connection and fun in safe relationships. Analysis of interviews with the mental health clinicians who staff the program identified five overlapping professional and personal themes: journeys; working differently; behind closed doors, a wider lens and difficult good times. Interviews with parents described their perceived benefits of the program including respite, access to information about mental illness and their children’s enjoyment.Discussion: This program creates a non-intrusive mechanism within which AMH services can engage notoriously difficult to access families and deliver early intervention and prevention services while demonstrating a commitment to family-focused practice.