Parents' and children's perceptions of a family support intervention for child behavioural problems

The aim of this study was to establish the perceptions of children and their parents following a Family Support intervention for child behavioural and related difficulties. One hundred parents and 22 children aged 5-12 years participated in structured interviews, following the intervention. A framework approach to thematic content analysis was used. Themes, categories and subcategories were established. Parents discussed the usefulness of the intervention and the service in relation to therapeutic work (behavioural techniques and advice), support, practical help, and liaison with other agencies. They also identified service gaps. A number of factors were identified as responsible for improvement, both directly arising from and independently of the intervention. Despite their young age, children had good understanding of the interventions and their role in them, and expressed their wish for active involvement. The intervention was underpinned by a solution-focused therapy model, combined with behavioural techniques. Families' perceptions indicate that they predominantly applied behavioural strategies, while some parents and children generated solutions in other areas of their lives. Family support has an important preventive role and should consist of an integral component of inter-agency services for children with a broad range of behavioural and emotional difficulties and their families, and have close links with child mental health services.