Expressions of Spirituality in Parents with At-Risk Children

Abstract

Programs for at-risk children and their families, especially very young children, have many dimensions that need to be addressed by practitioners. The literature suggests that spirituality plays a role in protection, treatment, recovery, and coping for at-risk children and their families. Despite this, the role of spirituality is rarely acknowledged or included in mainstream practice and behavioral health services training programs on services for at-risk families. This article documents the importance of spirituality to a group of families involved in a national cross-site demonstration project on the integration of behavioral health services. It concludes with implications for behavioral health services regarding practice and policy, including training around spirituality.