Abstract
We conducted a review of empirically based prevention programs to identify prevalence and types of family support services
within these programs. A total of 238 articles published between 1990 and 2011 that included a family support component were
identified; 37 met criteria for inclusion. Following the Institute of Medicine’s typology, prevention programs were categorized
as universal, selective, or indicated; programs containing more than one prevention level were characterized as multi-level.
Family support types included those led by a mental health professional, led by a peer, or team-led. Among the 37 prevention
programs reviewed, 27% (n = 10) were universal, 41% (n = 15) were selective, 16% (n = 6) were indicated, and 16% (n = 6) were multi-level. The predominant model of family support was professionally led (95%, n = 35). Two (n = 5%) provided team-led services. None were purely peer-led. In terms of content of family support services, all (100%, n = 37) provided instruction/skill build. Information and education was provided by 70% (n = 26), followed by emotional support (n = 11, 30%) and instrumental or concrete assistance (n = 11, 30%). Only 14% (n = 5) provided assistance with advocacy. The distribution of models and content of services in prevention studies differ from
family support within treatment studies. As family support is likely to be an enduring component of the child and family mental
health service continuum, comparative effectiveness studies are needed to inform future development.
within these programs. A total of 238 articles published between 1990 and 2011 that included a family support component were
identified; 37 met criteria for inclusion. Following the Institute of Medicine’s typology, prevention programs were categorized
as universal, selective, or indicated; programs containing more than one prevention level were characterized as multi-level.
Family support types included those led by a mental health professional, led by a peer, or team-led. Among the 37 prevention
programs reviewed, 27% (n = 10) were universal, 41% (n = 15) were selective, 16% (n = 6) were indicated, and 16% (n = 6) were multi-level. The predominant model of family support was professionally led (95%, n = 35). Two (n = 5%) provided team-led services. None were purely peer-led. In terms of content of family support services, all (100%, n = 37) provided instruction/skill build. Information and education was provided by 70% (n = 26), followed by emotional support (n = 11, 30%) and instrumental or concrete assistance (n = 11, 30%). Only 14% (n = 5) provided assistance with advocacy. The distribution of models and content of services in prevention studies differ from
family support within treatment studies. As family support is likely to be an enduring component of the child and family mental
health service continuum, comparative effectiveness studies are needed to inform future development.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10567-011-0100-9
- Authors
- Mary A. Cavaleri, Mental Health Services and Policy Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 100 Haven Ave, Suite 31D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- S. Serene Olin, Mental Health Services and Policy Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 100 Haven Ave, Suite 31D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Annie Kim, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Kimberly E. Hoagwood, Mental Health Services and Policy Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 100 Haven Ave, Suite 31D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Barbara J. Burns, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Journal Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
- Online ISSN 1573-2827
- Print ISSN 1096-4037