Lina Gatsou and colleagues report on an audit that highlights a gap in services for children and families with a parent who has a mental illness
Parental mental illness is a risk factor for a range of negative experiences for children and young people. Evidence shows that it affects, and is affected by, family contexts, and whole-family involvement in treatment can be beneficial. However, UK mental health services have been criticised for their response to parental mental illness, and little is known about assessment and practice in areas where support is available. This article presents results from an audit of mental health services in one English region. Results indicate that there is a high prevalence of parental mental illness, but that assessment of cases and provision of appropriate family support are inconsistent.
Mental Health Practice. 19, 5, 25-27. doi: 10.7748/mhp.19.5.25.s18
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double-blind review and has been checked using antiplagiarism software
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 30 April 2015
Accepted: 16 September 2015
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