An integrated group parenting model for mums with mental health issues and their babies: Findings from a participatory action research evaluation of the South Australian ACORN Program

There are established causal links both between parental mental health and the wellbeing of infants and children as they grow older (Stein et al, 2014; Goodman& Gotlib, 2002) and early parenting practice and subsequent child wellbeing (Green et al 2018).   Interventions designed to improve the mother-infant relationship may have benefits both for the mental health of the mother and development of the child (Cohen et al, 2002). Improving social connectedness can also alleviate psychological ill health (Saeri, A.K. 2018).  AnglicareSA's ACORN program is a 15 week group based program funded through the Hopwood Foundation which has been running for four years across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program has engaged integrated multi-skilled care teams using Dance Play; Reflective Journaling; and strength based 'therapeutic' letters. The program employs teams of Psychologists, Family Practitioners, Dance Therapists and a sway of volunteers some of whom being former ACORN clients. There is also a more recent culturally modified group specifically for Aboriginal mums and children in the Northern suburbs (called 'Sacred Little Ones'), which has embraced a range of refinements advocated by participating mums and Aboriginal staff to enhance its cultural appropriateness.ACORN aims to improve participant wellbeing and their parenting relationship with their young children (aged 0-3 years). Inclusively complied objectives are to: enhance the quality of the parent-ch...
Source: International Journal of Integrated Care - Category: Nursing Source Type: research