Early Childhood

For any child but for children who are yet to commence school the main thing to remember is to ask them how they are feeling about what is happening/has happened.

However, many conclusions about safety, growth and development will need to be based on observation of very young children or checking with caregivers (see examples below);

Safety: Failure to thrive, lack of interest in surroundings, regression to immature behaviour for age, poor growth and development for age (eg lack of language development ) and/or no sign of distress or protest when the young child is separated from the parent may indicate rejection, neglect or abuse.

Social participation: Check if the child has any opportunities to play and mix with others. Are there any barriers to attendance at playgroup, childcare etc.? (eg transport, cost, lack of parental motivation/energy to get them there, parental concern that placing their child in child care may be seen as a sign of weakness or inability to cope, cultural factors.)

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Primary School Aged Children and Adolescents

IDENTIFICATION of risk factors
Ask about caring responsibilities (eg Are they having to do more around the house than others their age because of their parent being unwell? Do they have the responsibility for their parent's medication regime? Do they have responsibility for getting their own meals? If so, are they getting adequate nutrition?).

Recognise and acknowledge the important role they are taking in caring for their parent. Offer emotional support, but do so tactfully as some young people take on caring responsibilities because they feel there really is no one else who can do what they do and/or that they should be the ones to do it.

Consider referring children who are providing care for their parents to a young carer support group (Carer Resource Centre Ph: 1800 242 636)

Are they concerned about what might happen to them if their parent becomes unwell again or has to be hospitalised?

Suggest that the child and family make a plan for times when their parent may be unwell or hospitalised - see the 'Supporting Our Family' kit for a downloadable example plan http://www.howstat.com/comic. This may include planned care or respite care options.

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Ask about safety (eg Do they ever feel unsafe/scared because of their parent's illness? For example the child/young person may be scared about something that happens during crisis times in their parent's illness or about some aspects of the alternative care when their parent is hospitalised. If they have felt unsafe/scared in the past - do they have a plan now for what to do if it happens again or to prevent it recurring?)

Reinforce protection planning with the child/young person and ensure they have the telephone numbers of about 5 trusted adults to call in an emergency. Check that they know about the Kids Help Line Ph: 1800 551800 (encourage them not to hang up on this line if it is busy as it will be answered eventually - many children give up on telephone help-lines after waiting only 45 seconds). Discuss or refer the child/young person on for assistance regarding the development of protective behaviours.

Help the child develop a safety plan or suggest to care-giver/s that they develop a plan with the child.

Ask about school attendance (eg Do they ever miss school because they are looking after their parent or tired when, for example, their parent has had a 'bad night'?)

You may be able to support the child/young person to negotiate school support (eg via a letter to the Principal).

What are their information needs? Check with the parent first for permission to discuss the illness with the child/young person. (Eg Do they understand what mental health problem/s their parent has?)

Help with access to appropriate information for their age group.

What are their socialisation needs? (eg are they involved in any activities outside of school or home? Do they have any friends?)

Some states run camps and other programmes for children and young people who have parents with a mental illness. (Check for information about your state/territory)

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