Implementation and Evaluation of the ChildTaks+ Intervention in the Czech Republic

Background: Children of parents with mental illness - COPMI face a high risk of developing a mental disorder themselves as a result of transgenerational transmission. Without effective interventions, COPMI represent the next generation of psychiatric patients. ChildTalks+ is a preventive intervention, consists of four structured psychoeducational sessions, designed for parents affected by any mental disorder and their children. Its key strategy is to prevent and reduce the risk of mental disorders in COPMI. In this study, given the clinical practice, the investigators include the diagnostic group of patients with eating disorders. The aim of the project, which will run in the Czech Republic, is to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of ChildTalks+ methodology. Methods: 66 families with a parent being treated for any mental health disorder and with a child aged 6-18 are recruited by ChildTalks+ therapists, professionals from health, social and educational facilities. Paired allocation into intervention group IG (N = 33) and control group CG (N = 33) is based on the number of risk factors identified in the family. IG and CG complete questionnaires at the baseline assessment (T0), at the post-test assessment (T1), and at the follow-up assessments after 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3). IG receive the ChildTalks+ intervention within 2 months after T0 and CG after the T3 assessment. Questionnaires are completed by parents and children aged 12/15. Quantitative data will be supplemented with qualitative data from ChildTalks+ therapists working with patients with eating disorders. Discussion: The ChildTalks+ intervention is expected to strengthen parenting competencies and family protective factors, improve family communication, increase awareness of parental mental health issues, and improve the overall well-being of COPMI with long-term sustainable outcomes. The current study will be an important contribution to the international evidence base for the ChildTalks+ program and will help identify key themes in the implementation of other similar preventive interventions.