Management and care of mentally ill mothers of young children: An innovative program

The literature identifies seriously mentally ill (SMI) mothers of young children as being at-risk for frequent psychiatric hospitalization because of preexisting impairment in adjustment and coping compounded by the additional strains of motherhood. Economic hardship, lack of information, and social isolation are some factors that may cause stress in relation to parenting. This article discusses the nature and extent of parenting problems experienced by SMI mothers of young children receiving treatment in a hospital-based, community-focused case management program. Intervention strategies are described that focus on reducing rehospitalization by decreasing the intensity and duration of maternal role strain.