Background: This article proposes a conceptual model of child and parent engagement in the mental health intervention process. Method: A scoping review was performed of articles on predictors of engagement in mental health interventions, the effectiveness of engagement interventions, and interpersonal aspects of care. A comprehensive search of PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES was performed for literature published in English from 2000 to 2012. Results: Based on the review, a motivational framework is proposed in which engagement is defined as a state comprised of a hopeful stance, conviction, and confidence, brought about when therapists optimize engagement processes of receptiveness, willingness, and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Implications concern the need to help clients understand what to expect from the therapy process, and to educate therapists about engagement strategies. Key Practitioner Message• Child and parent engagement in mental health treatment can be considered to be a multifaceted state of affective, cognitive, and behavioral commitment or investment in the client role over the intervention process • In an engaged state, the client is enthusiastic about intervention, believes that the offered or chosen treatment will be effective, and sees the intervention plan as manageable • Practitioners may benefit by considering whether clients have a hopeful stance, are convinced about the appropriateness of intervention goals and processes, and are confident in their ability to carry out the intervention plan • Practitioners can play a key role in optimizing client engagement by maximizing the client's receptivity, willingness, and self-efficacy

Background: Interest in professional expertise is growing. Interactional and developmental perspectives are being adopted to understand the nature of expertise and the environmental factors that influence its development. This article provides qualitative information about the workplace factors and experiences considered important by individuals providing education or mental health services to children, with one group working within an interprofessional team approach (service providers) and the other working in a discipline-specific manner (teachers).

Background: There is growing interest in identifying changes in ways of practice associated with the growth of professional expertise. Research on highly experienced or expert teachers and therapists (i.e. occupational, physical and behavioural therapists) can provide insights into how they approach practice, providing guidance for new practitioners. Purpose: The objective was to compare and contrast children's mental health therapists' and elementary/secondary schoolteachers' perceptions of changes in perspectives and approaches related to the development of expertise. Sample: Nine children's mental health therapists and five teachers/principals took part. Design and methods: Using a nested sampling design, therapists and teachers/principals were selected based on years of experience and peer reputation, and participated in two separate focus groups. Similarities and differences between the practice groups were examined qualitatively, using cross-group analysis. Results: Common reported changes in perspective included the development of open, broad, flexible and relational perspectives. Changes in approach included a focus on children's needs/desires, psychosocial issues/outcomes and realistic goals. Conclusions: The findings indicated how expert practitioners viewed their practice as changing over time, contributing to a better understanding of the nature and development of expertise in children's service practitioners. The findings suggest the importance of paying attention to children's needs/desires, cultivating awareness of their motivation and psychosocial issues, and setting realistic goals. Practitioners linked these changes in perspective and approach to more positive life and learning outcomes for children, which may have implications for guiding the practice of more novice teachers and therapists.