Prevention of emotional problems and psychiatric risks in children of parents with a mental illness in the Netherlands: II. Interventions

This paper reports on the outcomes of a practice-based and science-based enterprise in the Netherlands to develop a comprehensive national prevention program focused on children of parents with a mental illness. An outline of the multicomponent program is presented which includes a wide set of interventions that address evidence-based risk factors and protective factors in multiple domains, including children in different age groups, parents and families, social networks, professionals and the community as a whole. The scientific basis of this program is described in a companion article in this issue (Hosman, van Doesum & van Santvoort, 2009). The 20 year history of this program illustrates the importance of long-term collaborative investments that are required of practitioners, policymakers and scientists to develop and implement a nationwide, comprehensive approach for addressing the prevalent transmission of psychiatric problems from parent to child. The results of recently undertaken controlled efficacy studies of various preventive interventions are presented, as well as findings from process evaluations. The discussion section evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the current program and offers recommendations for the main challenges ahead in terms of program innovation, implementation and research.