King's Research Paper on Mental Health Receives Prestigious Award

King’s University College is celebrating the recognition of a paper from the Support and Aid to Families Electronically (SAFE) research team, led by Dr. Jane Sanders along with M.K. Arundel, Dr. Rick Csiernik, and Emily Carrothers, which has received the 2024 Best Qualitative Article Award from Families in Society, a highly regarded research journal on social work practice. The research calls for a major shift in how child and youth mental health services are delivered, advocating for systemic changes that prioritize family involvement. This recognition highlights not only the academic excellence of the work but also its real-world impact on our local London community.

The SAFE program, which provides easy-to-access, online mental health support to families, has seen remarkable growth since its inception in early 2021. In its third year, SAFE reached 219 families, demonstrating the increasing demand for accessible mental health services. By offering no-cost, virtual support to parents and caregivers, SAFE has become a vital resource for families navigating mental health challenges.

“The emphasis on a systemic re-shift toward family service organizations resonates deeply with King’s mission to create meaningful social impact,” said Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Dean of Research at King’s. “It is inspiring to see the SAFE program exemplify an innovative, community-driven model of care that fills a critical gap in our region.”

The research was coauthored by knowledge users within the School of Social Work, as well as graduate students who helped develop and provide services through SAFE. “The number of families receiving services through SAFE increased from 35 in the first year, to 109 in year two, and 219 parents and youth in the third year, illustrating the profound gap in accessible family support in the London community,” said Dr. Jane Sanders, the paper’s lead author.

The meaningful and valuable involvement of students as researchers, service providers, and coauthors has been central to the program’s success. This approach not only strengthens the SAFE program’s outcomes but also enriches the educational experiences of King’s students. By engaging in community-based research and hands-on service provision, students contribute to critical social change while gaining practical experience that aligns with King’s commitment to student mentorship and community-engaged scholarship.

This award underscores the influence of King’s as a leader in research that shapes systems of care. It illustrates how the university, and its School of Social Work are using scholarship to improve mental health support for families, while also providing students with opportunities to make a tangible difference.

You can read “A Better Me for My Children” in Families in Society. To learn more about the program, visit the SAFE website.