NAMI BASICS is a free new education program for parents and other care givers of children/adolescents living with mental illness. NAMI drew on course elements which have been extensively tested and found to be highly effective.
These elements include:
Recognition of mental illness as a continuing traumatic event for the child and the family
Sensitivity to the subjective emotional issues faced by family caregivers and well children in the family
Recognition of the need to help reduce the day-to-day objective burdens of care and management
Gaining confidence and stamina for what can be a life-long role of family understanding and support
Empowerment of caregivers as effective advocates for their children