Resumen

GOMEZ, Sara Ardila. Family Support as a Pillar of Reformed Psychiatric Care: Considerations from a Psychosocial Perspective. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2009, vol.38, n.1, pp.114-125. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Making it possible for people with mental illnesses to live a life close to the one of a normal citizen has been an aim of reformed psychiatric services around the world, including Colombia. This objective has been "suggested" by international organizations and implies a transformation of the psychiatric services being offered. An important factor is the family actively supporting and participating in the whole process. Method: This article explores the role of the family in the transformation of psychiatric services, together with an analysis of the particularities and conditions of family support and participation when one of its members has a mental illness. Furthermore, the article presents issues regarding necessary developments for strengthening the role of the family within current health-policy contexts. Conclusions: Family support and participation as a psychosocial process is an important strategy in reforming psychiatric services that must be promoted by the State via its social policies, while adopting "suggestions" from international organizations.

Palabras clave : Social support; mentally ill persons; public policy; mental health.

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