FACING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN'S HOMES : Voices of caretakers
Pitkänen, Jenni (2009)
Pitkänen, Jenni
Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2009
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-200912157911
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-200912157911
Tiivistelmä
The aim of the study was to describe what kind of mental health problems caretakers’ face in children’s homes. The study comprises various approaches and working methods used in the care of adolescents with mental health problems.
The study follows qualitative research methodology, primarily utilising theme-interviews. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with a psychiatrist and seven caretakers. The psychiatrist worked with adolescents taken into custody and the caretakers worked with children and adolescents in two different child protection units.
The main findings were that the caretakers were insecure about the subject of mental health. The most common problems they faced were depressive and aggressive behaviour. Moreover, the mental health service-network turned out to be complicated. The caretakers and the psychiatrist suggested more co-operation between professionals working in the fields of child protection and mental health.
The study follows qualitative research methodology, primarily utilising theme-interviews. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with a psychiatrist and seven caretakers. The psychiatrist worked with adolescents taken into custody and the caretakers worked with children and adolescents in two different child protection units.
The main findings were that the caretakers were insecure about the subject of mental health. The most common problems they faced were depressive and aggressive behaviour. Moreover, the mental health service-network turned out to be complicated. The caretakers and the psychiatrist suggested more co-operation between professionals working in the fields of child protection and mental health.