Capacity building for child and adolescent mental health in disaster areas: Learning from the experiences of mental health care workers in Indonesia

This paper describes lessons learned from mental health workers who participated in Capacity Building for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Disaster Areas (CAMHD) training of trainers in Jakarta. This training module was developed by the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division of the Department of Psychiatry of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and partners, in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health Singapore and supported by Temasek Foundation, Singapore. Mixed methods research was conducted to evaluate the training and to learn from the participants' experiences. Data were collected from the training participants in the form of pre and post tests, questionnaires demographic data, training evaluation forms, and focus group discussions. All research participants (n = 16) demonstrated increased knowledge, with a statistically significant mean difference of pretest and posttest scores (p < 0.001). Important lessons imparted included early detection - especially using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, case formulation, and comprehensive management, including Psychological First Aid (and crisis intervention. In terms of training process, training participants appeared to particularly appreciate activelearning processes such as case studies, role plays, and discussions, which allowed them to share their experiences. The current research also identified further training and development needs for child and adolescent mental health in disaster areas.