A recent qualitative study carried out by Public Health, NHS Fife,
investigated the support needs of parents of children with mental health
problems (Simpson, 2007). The results of this study led to several
recommendations including that: parents should be given practical skills to
feel more able to manage their child’s behaviour; they need help to
believe in their own ability to care for their child; and they need help to
improve their own emotional wellbeing. This is in line with sociological
research which describes parents of young people with mental health
problems as de-skilled by the condition and in need of empowerment to
fulfil their care-giving role (Harden, 2005). These results pointed to the
need for training for these parents or carers, which encouraged them to
believe in their own ability to create a successful family environment
which can benefit their child and themselves.