Toward a Family-Centered Approach: Families Coping with Parental Mental Illness

Summary: Family-centered approaches have emerged from the child mental health arena. The family-centered model stems from the recognition that children and adults live and function in families and that children are best served when their families are supported. Historically, there has been much silence about the parenting role among adults with mental illness. Traditional mental health services have largely ignored this central reality in the lives of adult clients who are parents and their children. As issues of parenting are typically not included in mental health service planning, the needs of parents with mental illness and their children remain unknown and/or unaddressed

The Invisible Children’s Project: A Family-Centered Intervention for Parents with Mental Illness

This report describes an evaluation of the Invisible Children\u27s Project (ICP), a program in Orange County, New York, that provides home-based, family-centered case management services for parents with mental illness. Policy implications and program recommendations are also discussed. Prepared for the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Policy, Planning and Administration, Rockville, MD

Getting a Feel for Science: Adapting Existing Non-Formal Education Techniques to Conform to Universal Design

This project implemented and tested methods to adapt Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) science programs to accommodate Australian students with disabilities. Universal Design principles were applied to the Tyre Track activity in the Forensic Frenzy program to improve the science experience for visually impaired students. The team gathered survey and observational data, evaluated activity effectiveness, and delivered recommendations and guidelines. Statistical analysis demonstrated that non-formal education programs modified to contain multi-sensory components increase student knowledge and understanding

A Study of Biofuel Production Using Molten Salt Catalysts

Lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses from biomass break down into fuel products when subjected to extreme conditions. This MQP investigated the effects of catalytic molten salts on biomass feedstocks in producing gas and liquid fuels using various chemical pathways. Reaction variables such as gas flow, temperature, pressure, vessel type, reagent type, and time were investigated. After purification, qualitative observation was noted and NMR and GC data was collected. Protein predigestion and semi-batch operation were investigated to increase efficacy of the system. Reaction conditions for gasification, pyrolysis, and predigestion resulting in desirable fuel production were identified. Recommendations were made for identification of oily products and improved reactor design

Programs for Families with Parental Mental Illness: Results of a US National Survey

Summary: Survey of programs in the U.S. for parents with mental illness

Family Members with Overlapping Mental Health Needs Require the Transformation of Systems and Services

Women and men with a lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorder are at least as likely to be parents as are adults without psychiatric disorder. The majority of adults in all diagnostic categories are parents, including those meeting criteria for affective and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and non-affective psychosis. Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) receiving services in Systems of Care (SOCs) programs may have multiple family risk factors. Family-centered, strengths-based practices require a paradigm shift in the way administrators and providers view and intervene with children and adults. Presented at The Santa Fe Summit on Behavioral Health, the American College of Mental Health Administration, Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 2005

Implementation Challenges in Wrapping Interventions Around Families Living with Parental Mental Illness

Summary: Parental mental illness challenges service providers in adult mental health, child welfare and children’s mental health systems of care. This presentation describes the development and implementation of Family Options, a family-centered, strengths-based, family-driven intervention for families living with parental mental illness. Findings from the Family Options implementation study suggest strategies for the replication of the intervention, as well as recommendations for the enhancement of existing programs like children’s systems of care to meet parents’ needs and improve outcomes for all family members