The effects of parent empowerment on adjustment for children receiving comprehensive mental health services.

In this study we examine the relations between family empowerment, children's mental health, and longitudinal changes in family empowerment. Data were gathered from 131 children and caregivers in a study evaluating children's mental health services. Family empowerment increased significantly over time while a child was receiving mental health services. There was also a trend for an increase in parent-reported community empowerment. Parents' reports of children's adjustment were found to correlate significantly with both family and service system empowerment at follow-up. Change in family empowerment over time was found to be a significant predictor of change in children's externalizing problems while in services. Hours of mental health services received was the only significant predictor of change in internalizing problems. Implications for services in this study, future services, and future research are discussed.