Little is known about the experiences of children living in families affected by severe and enduring mental illness. This book provides an in-depth study of children and young people caring for parents affected in this way. Drawing on primary research data collected from forty families, this book presents the perspectives of children (young carers), their parents and the key professionals in contact with them. The book contributes to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children. It examines the experiences and needs of children caring for parents with severe m ... More

Little is known about the experiences of children living in families affected by severe and enduring mental illness. This book provides an in-depth study of children and young people caring for parents affected in this way. Drawing on primary research data collected from forty families, this book presents the perspectives of children (young carers), their parents and the key professionals in contact with them. The book contributes to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children. It examines the experiences and needs of children caring for parents with severe mental illness, provides the perspectives of children, parents and key professionals in contact with these families, reviews existing medical, social, child protection and young carers' literatures on parental mental illness and consequences for children, provides a chronology and guide to relevant law and policy affecting young carers and parents with severe mental illness, makes concrete recommendations and suggestions for improving policy and professional practice and contributes to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children and families.