A Family-Centered Preventive Intervention Within Pediatric Oncology: Adapting the FOCUS Intervention for Latino Youth and Their Families

ABSTRACT

Pediatric cancer can disrupt the behavioral and emotional well-being of youth and their families, representing a potential psychological health risk for the entire family. Among ethnic minority families, cultural factors such as acculturation and language competency may affect the experience of this illness, which can, in turn, affect overall functioning. Integrating psychological health services within medical care settings is one method to enhance engagement in psychological health services and reduce barriers, including access and stigma. Given the paucity of evidence-based screening procedures and trauma-informed preventive interventions delivered within pediatric settings, the FOCUS consultation model was implemented within an outpatient pediatric oncology clinic. A case illustration is described to highlight the modifications made to the FOCUS consultation model to provide culturally sensitive and responsive treatment to Latino families. The article includes implications for future research on integrating culturally relevant, family-centered prevention approaches for reaching ethnic minority families.

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Notes on contributors

Ediza Garcia

Ediza Garcia, PsyD, is an associate professor of Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M International University and the director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program. Her clinical and research endeavors involve promoting resilience to at-risk children and families through culturally appropriate prevention programs.

Kanchana Wijesekera

Kanchana Wijesekera, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who provides consultation, assessment, and treatment for pediatric patients seen at the UCLA Children’s Heart Center and Fit for Healthy Weight Program. Additionally, she serves medical and graduate students, residents and fellows in Graduate Medical Education programs at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Behavioral Wellness Center.

Patricia Lester

Patricia Lester, MD, is the Nathanson Family Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She serves as the director of the UCLA Division of Population Behavioral Health, director of Nathanson Family Resilience Center, and medical director of the UCLA Family STAR (Stress, Trauma And Resilience) Clinic at the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Note: The authors report that, to the best of their knowledge, neither they nor their affiliated institutions have financial or personal relationships or affiliations that could influence or bias the opinions, decisions, or work presented in this article.