<p>The purpose of this study has been to investigate how psychosocial support for families where a parent suffers from a life threatening illness can be constructed. The intent was also to explore how the child's perspective is protected and what barriers and opportunities there are for family oriented support. The study has a qualitative approach and includes interviews with four social workers. The interviews were analyzed with a systems theory and attachment theory. The conclusions are that the whole family suffers psychological and social pressures when a parent is sick. The psychosocial support is given individually and to the family as a unit to help them deal with their changed life situation and facilitate subsequent grieving. An important aspect of the support is psycho education to parents and children, which aims to increase the understanding of the situation, their individual and each others' reactions. The social workers stress that it’s important to establish contacts in the family’s private network and support agencies in the community.</p><p>It falls under the medical mission to offer support to relatives and it includes a responsibility to inform and support the child based on individual circumstances. However, there seems to exist a variation and uncertainty about its nature and extent. Therefore professionals need to be aware of the importance of highlighting the child’s needs and support families.</p>

The purpose of this study has been to investigate how psychosocial support for families where a parent suffers from a life threatening illness can be constructed. The intent was also to explore how the child's perspective is protected and what barriers and opportunities there are for family oriented support. The study has a qualitative approach and includes interviews with four social workers. The interviews were analyzed with a systems theory and attachment theory. The conclusions are that the whole family suffers psychological and social pressures when a parent is sick. The psychosocial support is given individually and to the family as a unit to help them deal with their changed life situation and facilitate subsequent grieving. An important aspect of the support is psycho education to parents and children, which aims to increase the understanding of the situation, their individual and each others' reactions. The social workers stress that it’s important to establish contacts in the family’s private network and support agencies in the community. It falls under the medical mission to offer support to relatives and it includes a responsibility to inform and support the child based on individual circumstances. However, there seems to exist a variation and uncertainty about its nature and extent. Therefore professionals need to be aware of the importance of highlighting the child’s needs and support families.