Change in Mental Health Status of Young Children Participating in a Respite Service

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of changes in mental health status of children in a respite service as little has been reported on this aspect of respite care. Method: All families enrolled in a new centre-based respite program in a moderately large urban center in Canada were invited to participate. The child's primary caregiver completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline, mid-point and endpoint, as did respite staff. A comparison group of primary caregivers seeking respite care also completed the same ratings at baseline and at one-follow-up point. Results: The children's primary caregivers perceived high levels of mental health difficulties in their children at baseline; significantly more than respite providers. No significant changes were found between SDQ baseline and endpoint values for either primary caregivers or respite workers. The amount of change between baseline and midpoint was no different for the intervention and comparison group. Conclusions: No evidence of a positive impact on child mental health status by the new respite program as measured by the SDQ was detected. Specific evidence-based child mental health interventions may need to be paired with respite care to improve child mental health outcomes.