Dreaming of a Solution: D.R.E.A.M.-O.F. a Mental Health Promotion Program for Children and Their Families on Mental Health Waitlists

Abstract

The mental health rights of Canadian children are severely under met. To date, social policies advocate for strategies to reduce mental health service wait times, but little action has been taken to meet the needs of children and their families on waitlists. D.R.E.A.M. is a program that focuses on educating children about mental health, reducing stigma attached to mental health illness, and teaching tools for resilience. D.R.E.A.M. does not, however, currently address families. The current study involved the development of an adapted version of the D.R.E.A.M. program; D.R.E.A.M.-O.F. Through the creation of five family-based units, grafted onto the existing D.R.E.A.M. program, D.R.E.A.M.-O.F. aimed at providing families on mental health waitlists with the skills to begin addressing concerns associated with resilience promotion. The developed units were grounded in a literature-based and stakeholder-engaged needs assessment. A comparison of pre- and post-measure results from this pilot study indicated an improvement in child mental health symptoms, an increase in family functioning, and promotion of daily meaning for both children and adults. Given the encouraging findings from the pilot study of the program, further research regarding the application of this program is warranted. Future directions may include a program delivery in a web-based format, with video instructions and downloadable activities, with the goal of enhancing wellbeing, prior to standard mental health care services. The online format should make it more easily accessible for families and was recommended by stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal is for children and families to develop mental health-enhancing skills and reduce service time needed, thus hopefully shortening therapy waitlists.