Family Involvement in Child Mental Health: Exploring Policies and Practices from Community-Based Mental Health Centers

Abstract Background Outlined by the social organizational theory of action and change, community organizations such as community-based mental health (CBMH) centers play a crucial role in improving child mental health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of CBMH center policies in supporting families and bolstering family resilience during treatment remains underexplored. Objective This dual-site, multi-informant qualitative study examined CBMH centers’ policies and related practices around family support and involvement during child mental health treatment in Alabama Methods A content analysis was conducted using two data sources: (a) CBMH center policies , and (b) interviews with CBMH policy administrators Results The theory-driven analysis revealed that 6% of the policy textual data aligned with the family resilience framework. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews identified barriers to family-centered care, complexities in managing policy dynamics, and recommendations for improvement. Key barriers included workforce challenges, privacy regulations, and insurance restrictions. Administrators emphasized the need for comprehensive family-centered models, streamlined consent processes, and improved staff training Conclusions The analysis revealed notable gaps in addressing family resilience within CBMH policies and practices. By addressing identified barriers and implementing recommendations, CBMH centers can create a more family-centered approach that promotes family well-being and optimizes child mental health outcomes. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing family resilience through interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing local context, enhancing workforce development, and leveraging external opportunities to facilitate family-inclusive treatment.