Outcomes of theON FIREpeer support programme for children and adolescents in families with mental health problems

Abstract

A B S T R AC TChildren in families with mental health problems may encounter multiple risks to their well-being. General aims of peer support programmes for these children include fostering resilience and effective coping strategies, and enhancing self-esteem and social skills. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes from a pilot multi-site implementation of the ON FIRE peer support programme. The purpose of ON FIRE is to cultivate hope, resilience and well-being in children and adolescents aged 8-17 years living in families affected by sibling or parental mental health problems. We employed a pre-post test (baseline and 4 months) evaluation using a suite of outcome measures. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Children's Hope Scale, Kids Connections Scale and Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C) were completed for 64 child/adolescent participants. At baseline, participants had significantly greater difficulties compared with Australian norms. At 4 months, there were significant differences in children's hope and in connections outside the family. There were no significant differences in the SDQ or the PANAS-C.

Experiences of Peer Support for Children and Adolescents Whose Parents and Siblings Have Mental Illness

“…This study was part of a larger study investigating the impact and outcomes of the ON FIRE program (see Foster, McPhee, Fethney, & McCloughen, 2014). The present study employed an exploratory qualitative design.…”

A systems approach to enhance global efforts to implement family-focused mental health interventions

“…Outcomes of peer support programmes have been positively evaluated (Foster, McPhee, Fethney, & McCloughen, 2014), and the experiences of peer support for young people identified (Foster, Lewis, & McCloughen, 2014). Engaging school students is also supported through mental health promotion strategies (http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au).…”

The Perspectives of Young People of Parents with a Mental Illness Regarding Preferred Interventions and Supports

“…One common intervention offered to these young people are peer support programs, which aim to connect young people with other youth in similar life circumstances (Foster et al 2014b). A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a peer support group delivered to youth in the Netherlands found significant post intervention decreases in participants' negative thoughts and emotional and behavioural difficulties (van Santvoort et al 2014).…”