ALBA - Overview

ALBA is a participatory study that aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences, needs and strengths of children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years who live with a parent with a severe mental disorder (SMID). These families often face stigma, social isolation, emotional difficulties, and educational challenges, in a system that does not always recognize and integrate their voices.

The project combines quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods to generate actionable knowledge to improve support systems in mental health, education and community. Its ultimate goal is to co-create culturally relevant, strengths-based, and targeted interventions and recommendations to promote equity, resilience, and a sense of belonging for children and their families.

Duration

36 months, organized into several interrelated phases: diagnosis, analysis of resources, critical review of interventions and co-creative workshops.

Expected impact

• To generate unprecedented evidence on the reality of children and adolescents living with a parent with a serious mental disorder.
• Reduce stigma and improve the capacity of education, health and community systems to provide coordinated responses.
• Design culturally relevant intervention strategies focused on resilience and equity.
• Promote useful recommendations for public policies, educational practices, and family care models.