| As the incidence of mental illness in children increases, additional research is essential to investigate the unique experiences of parenting a child with mental illness to understand the needs of parents and families living with the child and the efficacy of home-based services. To gain an understanding of the parent/child dyad, family functioning, and family-centered intensive in-home services, this study explored the perceived experiences of 11 parents who received intensive in-home services for their children. Narratives of parents’ perceptions of home-based, family-centered services are linked to the theoretical foundations of Bowen’s family-systems theory. The main themes indicate that parents’ perceptions of home-based services support prior research indicating that children with mental illness can develop safe and sound relationships with parents, family members, and community. The outcomes of this research may help guide helping professionals in developing an understanding of the unique needs of families as they face the challenges inherent in caring for children with mental illness. The data reveals the need for services, not only for the child with mental illness, but for each individual in the family unit as well as the family as a whole. |
