Provider Perspectives on Involving Families in Children's Residential Psychiatric Care

Over time, residential mental health treatment programs for youth with serious emotional and behavioral disorders have shifted to a more family-focused paradigm that stresses the importance of family involvement during children's psychiatric care. Findings are presented from an in-depth qualitative examination of the factors that facilitate and hinder family involvement as well as expectations for family involvement from the perspective of providers at five residential youth treatment facilities in Florida. Results indicate that family involvement is facilitated by offering transportation assistance and flexible scheduling, fostering communication, and empowering families through education and support. Suggestions for future research are also offered.