This study analyzed the possibilities of the promotion of the right of children and young people with mental disabilities to live in the context of the family. Project staff interviewed families in several locations in Rio de Janeiro as to the amount and form of services and other forms of help they received. In the recent past, the only form of public help available was residential care. While today, there is general agreement about the need to avoid institutionalization, much to be done to implement the right of still needs to be done to enable these young people to remain in the family.

Findings from the study are described in: Family Caring and Mental Health: a study about children and adolescents who need help for mental disabilities: Cuidado familiar e saúde mental: pesquisando crianças e adolescentes que demandam atenção em saúde mental. Irene Rizzini, Aline Deus and Cristiane Diniz, Rio de Janeiro: Editora PUC-Rio/CIESPI (forthcoming March 2013).