Identifying family engagement priorities in youth residential treatment settings: A group concept mapping study

Residential treatment (RT) settings serve youth with severe mental health challenges, often requiring more intensive intervention than outpatient services. Despite the recognized importance of family engagement in improving youth outcomes, there is limited understanding of which family engagement strategies are most valued within RT settings. This study aimed to develop a framework to enhance family engagement in RT by identifying and prioritizing strategies based on their importance and feasibility. Utilizing group concept mapping (GCM), the study gathered and analyzed data from 40 participants, including family members and RT staff across the United States. Participants brainstormed ideas, sorted them into thematic clusters, and rated them on importance and feasibility. The analysis revealed eight distinct clusters representing critical aspects of family engagement in RT, and 44 strategies were rated highly for both importance and feasibility, emphasizing areas like parent peer support, robust communication, and comprehensive discharge planning. The findings underscore the need for improved communication, greater family involvement as active team members, and extended support during and after discharge from RT. Notably, parent-peer support emerged as a critical component. This research provides a framework for understanding and implementing family engagement strategies in RT settings. The prioritized strategies can inform policy and practice to enhance family support and improve youth outcomes in RT. Future research should focus on the practical application of these strategies and the continued evaluation of their impact on families and youth in RT.