Child mental health care in the context of the Family Health Strategy: an evaluative study

To evaluate child's mental health care in the context of the Family Health Strategy, from the professionals' perspective.

A qualitative case study type, using the Fourth Generation Assessment as a methodological reference. Fourteen professionals from two teams of the Family Health Strategy of Porto Alegre/RS were the participants. Data collection extended from May to August 2018, and consisted of observations and interviews through the dialectical hermeneutic circle, and of analysis through the Constant Comparative Method.

The analytical category emerged of Mental Health Care for Children related to home visit, care network, advice, team meeting and space in the medical agenda.

The results show that the FHS is an important psychosocial care space and that, at the same time, presents weaknesses in cross-sectorial work and needs support from the mental health services network to accompanying children and families.