The Invisible Children's Project: key ingredients of an intervention for parents with mental illness

This study used a collective case study design to identify key ingredients of the Invisible Children's Project, an intervention program for families in which a parent has a mental illness. Data were obtained from interviews with parents and service providers, and from family file records. Qualitative analyses were used to generate hypotheses regarding key ingredients and targeted outcomes, and to develop a testable intervention model. Key ingredients were defined as core processes, essential services, and mediators. Strong convergence across parents and providers suggested core processes defined by family-centered, strengths-based, emotionally supportive, and comprehensive approaches; essential services including family case management, 24-hour crisis services, access to flexible funds, liaison and advocacy, and mediators reflecting parent-provider trust and communication/cooperation, provider-provider trust, adoption of strengths-based approaches, development of appropriate treatment plans, parent engagement, and parent self-esteem/self-efficacy. A model of the intervention is presented, and results are discussed with respect to research and policy implications.