About Us
The Invisible Children's Program (ICP), a project initiated by Mental Health
America of
Wisconsin (formerly Mental Health Association), is an intensive case management program that serves families where a parent has a mental illness. The ICP works to empower parents to meet their children's needs and improve the overall health of their family, thus preventing child neglect, abuse, infant mortality, childhood injuries, and future mental illness.
It is estimated that nearly three-fourths of all parents with acute mental illness will lose custody of their children. To prevent this from happening, one of the ICP's goals is to improve parenting skills and strengthen family relationships. The goal is to keep these children with their parents.
The ICP is one of the few programs in the country that specifically targets parents with mental illness. Parents are referred to the program by their therapists and doctors. The program primarily serves single-parent families that are under privileged and have low-incomes.
Parents in the program suffer from a variety of mental illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. But the most common illness is major depression, which is characterized by a lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, poor sleeping and eating habits and, occassionally, suicidal thoughts. Once parents are in the program, counselors work closely with them to make sure they are feeding and clothing their children, and that their basic needs are met.
The ICP will offer family assistance through the following:
Additional Resources
The below "Wellness Recovery" curriculum is based on the recovery model and is designed to work with individuals that have mental health issues. It is developed to educate these individuals on their mental health concerns and the recovery process, along with assisting them in recognizing their triggers and early warning signs. Lastly, this information will aid them in developing a crisis plan. This curriculum can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it could be completed during a few home visits or in a class setting over an 8-week period. These materials are presented by Kristina Finnel, Supervisor of the Invisible Children's Program. Feel free to contact Kristina for more information at (414) 276-3122 or send a message.
More Information on the Invisible Children's Program
ICP History
Admission & Referral
Classes
Strengthening Families - Resources
*Please Note: Parents who are not appropriate for the ICP, may still be able to participate in parent and mental health educational courses through Mental Health
America's
Specialized
Family
Resource
Center.
For more information on these classes, email kristina@mhawisconsin.org or call (414) 276-3119.
For scheduling information for the Invisible Children's Program and the
Specialized
Family
Resource
Center, visit our agency's event calendar page.
Contact Us
Kristina Finnel
(414) 276-3122 or
e-mail
