Future Directions in Mental Health Interventions for Black Families with Young Children: A Scoping Review

Recent research highlights increasing and disproportionate rates of mental health challenges for Black children. Early intervention and family-centered interventions have the strongest evidence-base for successful treatment with young children. However, Black families may experience different levels of retention and efficacy. Thus, the current study sought to examine the literature covering interventions and prevention programs with Black families with young children and outline future directions for research and practice.

PRISMA guidelines were used to examine peer-reviewed journal articles published between 1993 and April 2023, covering prevention, intervention, or treatment programs for Black families with young children. Selected studies included: 1) at least 50% Black/African-American participants, 2) a caregiver component, 3) a mean child age between 2 and 7 years, and 4) at least one mental health or child behavior outcome. 21 articles were included for data extraction.

11 intervention and prevention programs were represented, with most studies focused on externalizing behaviors. Studies utilized a variety of adaptations and strategies for engagement and retention. Study samples frequently did not disaggregate data and were concentrated in low-income, urban populations. Few studies focused on culturally adapting treatment exclusively for Black families.

Results stress the need for critical examination of "evidence-based" interventions for Black families with young children. Consideration of adaptations to remove participation and retention barriers should be incorporated into treatment frameworks to address implementation challenges. Recommendations for future directions in research and clinical practice are presented focusing on representation, culturally specific care needs, navigation of racism, and innovation of traditional mental health models.