An evaluation of training for health and social care professionals when working with families where a parent has a mental illness

ABSTRACT Objective This study reports on an evaluation of a locally designed training programme, ‘Raising awareness of the impact of parental mental illness on children and families’, in one region of the Republic of Ireland. The evaluation focused on identifying possible changes, following the training, in professionals’ knowledge and awareness of severe and enduring mental illnesses and its impact on the family; their self-rated practice skills and attitude when working with individuals experiencing a mental illness; and their level of engagement in family focused practice. Method A quantitative methodology was employed with a repeated measures approach in an online questionnaire. Respondents were invited to complete the questionnaire pre-training, post-training and at a 6-week follow-up phase. Nine respondents completed the questionnaires at three time periods. Results Following training, professionals reported an increase in their knowledge and awareness of mental illness and the impact of parental mental illness on children and families. Respondents acknowledged difficulties in the context of legislation and national policies relating to mental health. The importance of training for professionals working outside of adult mental health services was highlighted along with recommendations for the future development of training emerged from the study. Discussion Aligned with previous research, there is a need for inter-agency collaboration and further development of awareness and skills development in relation to family focussed practice with families where a parent has a mental illness. Accessible training related to mental health for practitioners supporting children and families outside of core mental health settings should be provided.