Strong in the storm - support for children of mentally ill and addicted parents

E-learning, child protection, child abuse, neglect, prevention, youth welfare system

Dr Yvonne Grimmer

Central Institute for Mental Health Mannheim

Prof Dr Anne Koopmann

Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim

01.11.2023 until 31.10.2025

Project background & aims of the project

It is known from systematic analyses that most risk factors for child maltreatment are found in the parents (Stith et al., 2009; Mulder et al., 2018). Parental characteristics such as alcohol and drug abuse, mental health problems and intimate partner violence are the main risk factors for child maltreatment (Brockington et al., 2011; C, 2005; Stith et al., 2009; 6 Osofsky, 2003). Children of mentally ill and addicted parents therefore belong to a high-risk group for child maltreatment (Brockington et al., 2011; C, 2005).

The aim of the "Stark im Sturm" project is to achieve better and earlier (co-)care for children of mentally ill and addicted parents in psychiatric clinics in Germany as well as to establish standardised child protection and better networking of the psychiatric care system with the local youth welfare system in the regular psychiatric care of mentally ill and addicted mothers and fathers.

Project description

As part of the project, an e-learning course is being developed and evaluated to provide medical professionals (doctors and nurses) in adult psychiatric centres with in-depth knowledge in the field of medical child protection. The course covers both indications of possible child endangerment and the steps to be taken if such endangerment is suspected. The structure of the reporting system and the legal framework for reports in the context of child endangerment in the healthcare sector are explained. During the project phase, this knowledge is to be made available to all doctors and nursing staff at the partner clinics in order to provide them with greater confidence in dealing with cases of child endangerment.

Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration of Baden- Württemberg