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“Between challenges and opportunities”: needs and preferences in the psychosocial support of multi-challenged families with children – a scoping review

Author

Listed:
  • Teixeira, Sandra Liliana
  • Rodrigues, Pedro F.S.
  • Caetano, Ana Paula
  • Bártolo, Ana

Abstract

This scoping review synthesizes the self-reported needs, preferences, and experiences of multi-challenged families with children regarding psychosocial support interventions. Using the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology, a systematic search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and ERIC for peer-reviewed studies from 2013 to 2025. Eligible studies focused on families facing multiple long-term difficulties with children up to 18 years old and explored family perspectives on psychosocial care. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines for transparency and rigor. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified insights across three domains: intervention content, delivery approaches, and intervention context and structure. Key findings highlight the importance of contextual factors, especially home-based care, valued for accessibility, personalization, and support of daily routines. Results emphasize the need for coordinated, flexible, strengths-based support that respects family agency and addresses contextual barriers. Engaging children directly with age-appropriate, playful methods enhances their participation and expression. Training families in assertiveness, communication, and problem-solving emerged as essential for empowerment and intervention success. These findings underscore aligning professional practices with the lived realities and voices of multi-challenged families. Future research should prioritize participatory methodologies involving both families and children in the co-design and evaluation of interventions to enhance relevance, responsiveness, and effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Teixeira, Sandra Liliana & Rodrigues, Pedro F.S. & Caetano, Ana Paula & Bártolo, Ana, 2026. "“Between challenges and opportunities”: needs and preferences in the psychosocial support of multi-challenged families with children – a scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:181:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925006206
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108737
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Visscher, L. & Evenboer, K.E. & Jansen, D.E.M.C. & Scholte, R.H.J. & Knot-Dickscheit, J. & Veerman, J.W. & Reijneveld, S.A. & van Yperen, T.A., 2018. "Identifying practice and program elements of interventions for families with multiple problems: The development of a taxonomy," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 64-70.
    2. Visscher, L. & Jansen, D.E.M.C. & Scholte, R.H.J. & van Yperen, T.A. & Evenboer, K.E. & Reijneveld, S.A., 2022. "Elements of care that matter: Perspectives of families with multiple problems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    3. Evenboer, K.E. & Reijneveld, S.A. & Jansen, D.E.M.C., 2018. "Improving care for multiproblem families: Context-specific effectiveness of interventions?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 274-285.
    4. Visscher, L. & Evenboer, K.E. & Scholte, R.H.J. & van Yperen, T.A. & Knot-Dickscheit, J. & Jansen, D.E.M.C. & Reijneveld, S.A., 2020. "Elucidating care for families with multiple problems in routine practice: Self-registered practice and program elements of practitioners," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
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    6. Tausendfreund, Tim & Knot-Dickscheit, Jana & Post, Wendy J. & Knorth, Erik J. & Grietens, Hans, 2014. "Outcomes of a coaching program for families with multiple problems in the Netherlands: A prospective study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 203-212.
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