Transition-age children with mental illness: hearing the voices of mothers

Annette Gerten1, Melissa Hensley

  • 1a Department of Social Work , Augsburg College , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA.

Members of a local NAMI organization were surveyed in order to explore the perspectives of mothers of transitional age (18-25) children diagnosed with mental illness. Social workers in a diversity of mental health care settings can use this information to improve competence with this population. Results indicate a dynamic shift in the mothering role during this time period. Findings also suggest mothers and their transition-age children need emotional and practical support from social workers and other mental health professionals.

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