Promoting collaborative practice for children of parents with mental illness and their families

This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of a trial interagency protocol to enhance the responsiveness of community services for children of parents with mental illness and their families.

Protocol implementation was supported by the allocation of designated project workers, Interagency and Advisory Committees, and cross-agency training. Survey data on staff perceptions of collaborative practice were obtained at baseline and 12 months later. Participants represented a range of child and adult-serving agencies, and included consumers and family members.

Intra- and interagency collaboration increased, with staff reporting on barriers, e.g., work load and time pressures, and benefits, e.g., shared expertise. They indicated collaboration was of value to the children and families with whom they worked.

Interagency efforts can enhance collaborative practice. Stakeholders continue to work together to refine their efforts and create new approaches to improving outcomes for all family members living with parental mental illness.