Resources for Health and Community Workers

Book/s

Better Ways to Better Days   Town of Rockingham and City of Kwinana (Western Australia)  
A booklet designed for young people whose parent of carer has a mental health and/or drug and alcohol problem.
Available via: Phone
Town of Kwinana, Community Development Officer or City of Rockingham, Coordinator Youth Services
 9439 0206/ 9528 0333
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/jsp/resources/files/bet_way_bet_day.pdf

Child Protection and Mental Health Services: Interprofessional responses to the needs of mothers   Stanley, N., Penhale, B. et al   2003
This book examines interprofessional work with families where mothers have mental health problems and there are also child protection issues. (UK)
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/book_reviews.html

CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS 2 - Personal and Clinical Perspectives   Vicki Cowling   2004
Looks at the insights and experiences of children and adults who have lived or grown up with parents with a mental illness. The experiences highlight the need to think of all family members when a parent has a mental illness and identifies the needs of children who need to belong and have someone to talk to about their experiences. Complimenting these personal accounts are clinical chapters written by Australian practitioners with a rich and diverse range of experiences.
Available via: Phone
Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER)
 (03) 9277 5656
Web:http://www.acerpress.com.au

Children of Parents with Mental Illness   Vicki Cowling   2004
Children of Parents with Mental Illness is a groundbreaking study into the frequently overlooked impact on children whose parents have a mental illness. By balancing theory with first-hand experiences from parents and adult children, it examines the nature of a wide range of psychological disorders.Through case studies, it analyses a parent's ability to still function in the role of caregiver, and the impact their illness can have on their children. Children of Parents with Mental Illness describes a possible model of inter-agency support and provides information that was initiated in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne.
Available via: Email
ACER Press
347 Camberwell Rd Camberwell 3124  (03) 9835 7447
Email:  sales@acer.edu.au
Web:http://www.acer.edu.au

Children of parents with mental illnesses.   Nicholson, J., Cooper, J., Freed, R., & Isaacs, M.   2008
Chapter in 'Family influences on childhood behavior and development'. Gullotta, T.P. & Blau, G. (Eds.). New York: Routledge.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail

Forgotten Australians: Supporting survivors of childhood institutional care in Australia   Alliance for Forgotten Australians   2008
This resource aims to educate health and welfare workers about the experiences and needs of Forgotten Australians. Provides the information needed to recognise, relate to and assist people who are experiencing long term trauma because of childhood spent in orphanages or Homes - the 'Forgotten Asutralians'.
Available via: Web
Alliance for Forgotten Australians
Suite 3, 7 National Circuit  Barton, ACT  2600  02 6273 4885
Web:http://www.forgottenaustralians.org.au/

Hearing the silent need: Assessing children who have a parent with a serious mental illness.   Sivec, H.J., Waehler, C.A., Masterson, P.J., & Pearson, B.L.   2007
In S. Smith, & L. Handler (Eds.), The Clinical Assessment of Children and Adolescents: A practitioner?s guide. Mahwah, NJ: Earlbaum.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail

It's About You Too! A guide for children who have a parent with a mental illness   National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)   2004
A publication for children (especially those aged between 8-10) who have a parent with a mental illness.
Available via: Web
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
Claremont House, 130 East Claremont Street Edinburgh  EH7 4LB  0131 557 8969
Email:  info@nsfscot.org.uk
Web:http://www.nsfscot.org.uk

Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression to heel   Edited by: Tessa Wigney, Kerrie Eyers & Gordon Parker   2007
In 'Journeys with the Black Dog' many people share their stories of living with depression. Personal stories of first symptoms, the path to getting diagnosed, the confusion and frustration, and all the many ways of keeping depression at bay - whatever it takes. Written with raw honesty and sharp humour, these stories demonstrate it is possible to gain control over depression.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Review available from:http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/media/newsdesk/documents/ReviewsofJourneyswiththeBlackDog.pdf

Out of the Shadows: Daughters growing up with a 'mad' mother   Catherine Camden Pratt   2006
This Australian book brings together eleven women, including the author, who tell their stories of living with a mentally ill mother.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/book_reviews.html

Parenting   Nicholson, J. & Miller, L.J   2008
Chapter in 'Clinical Handbook of Schizophrenia' (Mueser & Jeste, Eds.) New York: The Guildford Press.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail

SHRINK-RAP Press Books - Various Titles   SHRINK - RAP Press Books  
Useful for explaining mental Health problems/disorders to older children, as in these book every point is illustrated by a cartoon. "Too Blue" - about depression and other mood disorders. "The Panic Book" - shows how a panic disorder works and what can be done about it. "The Secret Problem" - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in children is explained in clear and simple language. "The WSchool Wobblies" - Written for children who have difficulty going to school because they are frightened or worry too much.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.shrinkrap.com.au

Someone in My Family Has a Mental Illness   Lyne Brindamour and The Family Services of the North Shore, B.C.   2000
'Someone in My Family Has a Mental Illness' is a workbook designed to be used with children by counsellors, mental health practitioners and other professionals in the community. It is also designed for parents and caregivers who wish to educate their children about mental illness.
Available via: Web
The Family Services of the North Shore, British Columbia, Canada
Web:http://www.parentalmentalillness.org

Studies in the Assessment of Parenting   Eds: Peter Reder, Sylvia Duncan and Clare Lucey   2003
Brings together ackowledged experts who explore the complexities in parenting assessments and engaging parents in ongoing therapy and development. Key themes in this comprehensive guide include a practical approach and considering the child's perpective whilst assessing parents.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail

Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness   British Columbia Schizophrenia Society   2002
Workforce development for professionals. A community education and development workshop. This resource is described as 'A Training Tool for Communities to Organize Services to Support Families'.
Available via: Web
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
Web:http://www,parentalmentalillness.org

The Best for Me and My Baby: Managing mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood.   COPMI  
A booklet developed with and for women with a mental health problem or mental illness - and their partners - who are thinking about having a baby, are new parents or are about to have a baby. It encourages health professionals and parents to work together to manage mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood and provides tips for parents and for supporting family and friends. Downloadable from this site or via the online order form.
Available via: Web
COPMI
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au

Wishing Wellness: A Workbook for Children of Parents with Mental Illness   Lisa Anne Clarke   2006
'A therapeutic tool for children who have a parent with a major mental illness' This is not intended to be used as a journal for children to complete in isolation but as part of therapeutic interaction on a group or individual basis. An associated Therapist Resource Guide is also available to download from the magination press site.
Available via: Web
American Psychological Association Magination Press
Web:http://www.maginationpress.com/441A313.html
Review available from:http://www.maginationpress.com/441A313.html#reviews

Working Together to Support Disabled Parents   Jenny Morris and Michele Wates: Social Care Institute for Excellence, UK   2007
This resource guide explains how adults and children's services, along with other agencies, can develop local joint-working protocols to support families in which parents have additional needs related to physical and/or sensory impairments, learning disabilities, mental health, drug and alcohol-related problems or serious illnesses. It outlines the steps services must take to plan, implement, monitoring and evaluate a local joint-working protocol and includes principles of good practice, policy and legislative framework and examples of case studies.
Available via: Web
Social Care Institiute for Excellence (UK)
Web:http://www.scie.org.uk/

Wow! I'm a Dad! the most important job I'll ever have.   Developed by: South Western Sydney Area Health Service, Tresilian, Karitane and Northern Sydney and Central Coast Men's Health Unit   2005
The booklet provides practical advice and solutions to common issues faced by first time fathers, and addresses the psychological, emotional and physical changes experienced by first time fathers during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and first few weeks post birth.
Available via: Web
Web:http://menshealth.uws.edu.au/resources.html

Website/Online

A Resource Guide on Parenting for People with Disability in NSW  2007
This website includes Quick Find Service List, Pathways to Parenthood in book, CD and braille formats, as well as Resource Guides on Planning for Pregnancy, equipment and adapted aides for pregnancy, support and information for early years (8-10 years), advocacy services, etc.
Available via: Web
NSW Network of Women with Disability and the Pathways to Parenthood Project Team
40 Albion Street, NSW, Australia Harris Park 2150  1800 629 072
Email:  women@mdaa.org.au
Web:http://www.femability.org.au/parenting_with_disability.htm

ADGP YOUTH ALLIANCE  

Available via: Web
Web:http://ndya.adgp.com.au/

AICAFMHA  
Actively promoting the mental health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and their families/carers.
Available via: Web
AICAFMHA
Web:http://www.aicafmha.net.au/

AUSEINET (Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health)  
The key focus of the Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) is to assist a range of sectors to implement mental health promotion and illness prevention approaches in their respective settings.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.auseinet.com

BEYONDBLUE - the national depression initiative  
Ybblue's all about getting the message out there that it's okay to talk about depression, and to encourage young people and their family and friends to get help when it's needed.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.ybblue.com.au/

COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers)  
COMIC is comprised of a group of adults who share a common interest for children of parents with a mental illness. The group shares a common perception of the past failure by the mental health services to acknowledge and support them as children with special needs and assistance.
Available via: Web
COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers)
Email:  comic.admin@bigpond.com
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

Evaluation of the Mental Health Liaison Project  2007
A report evaluating the Mental Health Liaison Project, where an experienced mental health nurse works within the intake and assessment team of a state child protection service district office. The mental health nurse assists with the assessment of parents and mobilisation of services according to a family's level of need. The report highlights what worked well and the benefits it offered to clients. The report also gives recommendations about how the project could be developed in the future to offer effective support to parents with a mental illness.
Available via: Web
Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia
Web:http://www.unisa.edu.au/childprotection/publications.asp

HEADROOM  
Site for young people 12-18 years, 6-12 years, parents and professionals regarding child and adolescent mental health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.headroom.net.au/

Invisible Children's Project (USA)  
Includes project overview and information re the Invisible Children's project.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.nmha.org/children/invisible.cfm

ITSALLRIGHT  
A SANE website for young people with family or friends affected by mental illness.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.itsallright.org

Mental health problems during pregnancy and after giving birth  2007
This booklet is about the care and treatment of women with mental health problems in the antenatal period (during pregnancy) and in the postnatal period (the first year after giving birth) in the NHS in England and Wales.
Available via: Web
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (UK)
Web:http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG45/publicinfo/pdf/English/download.dspx

MIND MATTERS  
A resource and professional development program to support Australian secondary schools in promoting and protecting the social and emotional wellbeing of members of school communities. Includes information on enhancing resilience.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters

Multicultural Mental Health Australia Website  
A national leader in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities the MMHA's objective is to provide consumers, carers and mental health professionals with the latest information on resources, services, research, conferences and events relating to multicultural mental health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mmha.org.au/

PARENTING WELL (USA)  
Includes resources for families and service providers on the topic of parenting and mental illness.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.parentingwell.org/

UK Parental Mental Health and Child Welfare Network Website  2007
The Network is for social care and health workers who work with parents with a mental health problem or their children. It has been set up to promote joint working between adult mental health and children's services. The website includes information about the Network, links to key resources in adult mental health and children's services, and information about Network and related events.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.pmhcwn.org.uk/index.asp

Young Carers  
Here you will find important information and contacts, along with opportunities to express your opinions and provide feedback. There is an online young carers plan to complete and keep on hand in case of an emergency, and there are games for when you feel like chilling out for a while.
Available via: Web
Web:www.youngcarers.net.au

YoungMinds (UK)  
Includes downloadable information for young people entitled 'Mental Illness In Your Family'.
Available via: Email
Web:http://www.youngminds.org.uk/publications/all-publications/mental-illness-in-your-family/file

Package/Kits

Big Red Book: A Directory and Handbook for People who work with Young People in the ACT (Version 3)  2008
The Big Red Book is the first handbook and directory for people who work with young people in the ACT. It has been designed for use by a range of professionals who may have contact with young people including youth workers, general practitioners and teachers. In addition to providing service profiles, this handbook also provides strategy-based information for workers, key service contacts and other helpful resources. The services in this handbook were actively involved in its development and young people's voices are reflected throughout.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.youthcoalition.net/public/Projects/BRB.html

Dual Diagnosis Support Kit  2006
The Dual Diagnosis Support Kit includes information for workers, foster carers, and parents with dual diagnosis - as well as two storybooks for children aged 5 -7 years and 8 -12 years, plus a handy wallet-sized information card for adolescents. The kit is downloadable from the DoCS website and available through the website free of charge.
Available via: Web
 (02) 9716 2356
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/news_publications/dual_diagnosis.htm

Healthy Babies for Mothers with Serious Mental Illness: A case management framework for mental health clinicians  2008
The provision of specific support by mental health clinicians/case managers - to pregnant women with serious mental illness - is an important primary prevention strategy with the goal of improving obstetric and neonatal outcomes for these women and their children. Three key elements form the basis of the framework: providing consumer reproductive choices; early detection and monitoring of pregnancy; and implementing a small known team approach in the management of pregnant women with serious mental illness. The framework is designed to assist health care professionals in managing the target group. Dowloadable framework - http://www.nmahsmh.health.wa.gov.au/projects/healthybabies.cfm
Available via: Web
North Metropolitan Area Health Service (NMAHS)
Web:http://www.nmahsmh.health.wa.gov.au/about/

Keeping the Family In Mind Resource Pack  2003
Research report Video "telling It Like It Is' Evaluation of the Family Room Young Carers Mental health Resource Pack 10 messages from Young Carers
Available via: Email
Barnado's Action with Young Carers
24 Colquitt St Liverpool (UK) L1 4DE Email:  louise.wardale@barnados.org.uk

KIDZ CLUB KIT (PROGRAM KIT)  
KidzClub is a group which focuses on young people with a parent or relative living with a mental illness. The Kidz Club kit contains session plans, handouts, activities, feedback and referral forms.
Available via: Postal Address
Mater CYMHS
Raymond Terrace South Brisbane, Queensland  4101   (07) 3263 8650
Web:http://kidsinmind.org.au/deliver/content.asp?pid=6953

KOPING Kit  
Improving Pathways to Care
Available via: Email
Email:  Thy_Meddick@health.qld.gov.au

PARENTING, CHILDREN AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE KIT  
A spiral bound resource booklet of reproducible fact sheets. Designed to support workers and families around issues to do with parenting and mental illness.
Available via: Email
Ruth Phelan, Central Coast Health
c/- Bindaree, PO Box 361 Gosford, NSW 2250 Gosford, NSW 2250  (02) 4372 7275
Email:  rphelan@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/jsp/resources/files/parenting_kit_index.html

PARTNERS IN CARE  2005
A checklist for professionals coming into contact with the children of parents with mental health problems. This leaflet, launched by Partners in Care (UK) in April 2005, has been produced after consultation with young carers. It aims to help professionals give children and young people the information they need to come to terms with their family member's mental health problem.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/campaigns/pinc

PATS (PAYING ATTENTION TO SELF) PACK  
Audio pack and resource information booklet Developed as a resource for workers to use with young people who have a parent with mental health issues or problems. The pack aims to reduce the isolation that young people with parents with a mental health problem often feel, to encourage them to look after their own mental and emotional health and to provide information and support to young people who are unable to attend the PATS program.
Available via: Email
Danielle Forer, PATS Coordinator, Centre for Adolescent Health Vic.
Email:  forerd@cryptic.rch.unimelb.edu.au

SMILES Program  2006
Erica writes "I recommend that the program be delivered as it has been designed, over three consecutive days, using the suggested daily plan. This has proved to be a very effective format (see program evaluation contained in the information & guidelines section). The life skills activities are appropriate for use in individual counselling sessions, may be adapted for use with other populations and have all been used successfully with adults as well as children."
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/jsp/resources/smiles_index.html

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES Fact Sheets  
Downloadable fact sheets 'When a parent has a mental illness' from the National Mental Health Association in the USA.
Available via: Web
National Mental Health Association in the USA
Web:http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/index.cfm

SUPPORTING OUR FAMILY KIT  
Includes Child's Care Plan, Sample Letter for school, Consumer/ family Checklist, Resource List. A Western Australian version of this package is available from the WA Office of Mental Health website, Resources section http://www.mental.health.wa.gov.au/one/aboutus_resources.asp
Available via: Web
COMIC
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

The Developing World of the Child: Resource pack  2007
Multiple-media pack bringing new perspectives on child development, looking at children in their varied and diverse contexts. It builds vital bridges between the need to understand children's development and the ways practitioners carry out their tasks when working with children and families.
Available via: Web
NSPCC Publications
Weston House, 42 Curtain Rd.  London EC2A 3NH  Web:http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform

THE NEEDS OF PARENTS WITH PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS  
A kit for service providers
Available via: Phone
Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research
 (07) 3271 8246

THE WORANITA KIT  
This kit provides a step-by-step guide for the establishment and operation of parent and child play sessions, plus information on how children grow and learn. It was developed to address parenting and child development issues within services which have chemically dependent parents as their client group. However it can be applied in a wide range of services which work with families and young children. Funding to develop the kit was provided by the NSW Child Protection Council's Prevention Resources Grants Program. It contains detailed play session activity plans covering the following developmental areas: art and craft, cognitive, physical, language and music, social and emotional. It also describes the learning benefits of each activity. Illustrated support material accompanies the kit and is copyable for parents to take home." The kit costs $75 and Postage and packaging costs vary depending upon where the kit needs to be sent.
Available via: Email
Burnside
8 Iolanthe Street Campbelltown NSW 2560  (02) 4628 3199
Email:  ahearder@burnside.org.au

Young Carers CD and Booklet  
A booklet for secondary teachers (and others who work with young people) about issues facing young people in families where someone has a mental illness, and a CD for young people including 2 songs written by young people and recorded by professional musicians, a young woman telling her story, and information about where to get help.
Available via: Phone
 (03) 9854 5122

Factsheet/Pamphlets

CAN A DEPRESSED PARENT BE A GOOD PARENT? YOU BET!  
This is a downloadable pamphlet.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.experiencejournal.com/depression/pdfs/goodparent.pdf

Parents with Mental Illness - Fact sheets (set of 5)  2006
A set of factsheets to help support parents with a mental illness, and their children.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/resources/HCN1468_KitesSFactSheetsFIN.pdf

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS MENTAL HEALTH AND GROWING UP FACT SHEET 16  
'Parental Mental Illness - the problems for children (for parents and teachers)' Downloadable fact sheet (number 16) from Website.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthandgrowingup.aspx

Newsletter/s

KOPING FORUM NEWSLETTER  

Available via: Email
KOPING
Email:  Thy_Meddick@health.qld.gov.au

CD/DVD/Videos

Being Seen and Heard: The needs of children with parents with a mental health illness  
Workforce development for professionals Training tool for all professionals The Royal College of Psychiatrists was involved with the development of this multi-media training package for professionals who work with adults with mental illness. It provides creative and practical suggestions about working with parents with mental illness and their children. This resource includes clips of children, young people and their parents talking about their experiences of mental illness within the family, and how professionals can work effectively with them. The CD-ROM includes hand-outs for use as part of a professional training session.
Availabile via: Postal Address Book Sales, The Royal College of Psychiatrists,
17 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PG   020 7235 2351 ext. 1
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/books/rcpp/1904671101.aspx

Hard Words (Video and Booklet)  
Aims to raise awareness about the issues facing children who have a parent with a mental illness.
Availabile via: Web ARAFEMI
Email:  admin@arafemi.org.au
Web:http://www.arafemi.org.au

I Love You Like Crazy - Being a Parent with a Mental Illness  
Eight mothers and fathers who have mental illness discuss the challenges they face as parents. No one knows how many parents must cope with mental illness while raising children, but it is a far larger number than is generally realized. (As seen at the 1999 White House Conference on Mental Health). This tape is an introduction to some of the problems these parents are dealing with as they strive to be effective, supportive and loving mothers and fathers.
Availabile via: Web The Mental Illness Education Project
Web:http://www.miepvideos.org/

It's only 1/100th me' Stories of 6 People Challenging Stigma and Discrimination Surrounding Mental Illness.  2007
Challenging Stigma and Discrimination This project is the start of a campaign to challenge stigma and discrimination towards people experiencing mental illness. In the first stage we have produced a DVD of people's stories. The DVD presents personal experiences of stigma, discrimination and the impacts of these. The DVD also describes experiences of inclusion and the importance of being accepted and valued. Go to www.nswcag.org.au and click on PROJECTS and "Challenging Stigma and Discrimination". Copies of the DVD can also be purchased for $5. Contact us at NSW CAG on 9332 0200 or ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Availabile via: Web NSW CAG - New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group
 02 9332 0200
Email:  ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/members/nswcag/index.htm

JUST CARE FOR US (DVD)  2005
Carers Victoria has released a DVD/Video featuring five young carers, three of whom care for a parent with a mental illness. The aim of the DVD 'Just Care for Us' is to raise awareness of young carer issues and support needs amongst services providers and school staff. The DVDs/videos are selling for $39.95 (+ postage and handling fee of $10)
Availabile via: Postal Address Carers Victoria
PO Box 2204 Footscray 3011 Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/files/YCOrderForm.pdf

KOPING (Video and Booket)  
Supporting children and young people whose parents are living with a mental health problem.
Availabile via: Postal Address Child & Youth Mental Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital and Health Service District
289 Wardell Street Enoggera QLD 4051  (07) 3355 8999
Email:  Thy_Meddick@health.qld.gov.au

Matthew Heath  2006
A short Australian documentary film. In his own words Matthew tells of the challenges his family has faced in coming to terms with his father's mental illness.
Availabile via: Web  02 93254444
Web:http://www.hopeawards.com.au

Raw Youth: Young people and mental health  2004
An eight part documentary series on young people and mental health. Sessions 2 and 8 feature professionals and young people talking about young people and parents with a mental illness.
Availabile via: Email Programme Coordinator 3CR
PO Box 1277 Collingwood 3065  + 61 3 9419 8377
Email:  programming@3cr.org.au
Web:http://www.3cr.org.au/

Telling It Like It Is  2003
Assists professionals to understand the issues young carers face as children and young people growing up in a family where a parent has mental health problems.
Availabile via: Email Barnados Action with Young Carers
24 Colquitt St  Liverpool (UK) L1 4DE  0151 708 7322
Email:  louise.wardale@barnados.org.uk

THE SANE CD-ROM GUIDE TO PSYCHOSIS  

Availabile via: Web SANE Australia
Web:http://www.sane.org

Care Plans

Care Plan  2000
'CarePlan' for a child to fill out with the help from a parent when well and mental health care professional if necessary. The aim is to have a 'Care Plan' in place should the parent become unwell and need hospitalisation. Children are often concerned who they will stay with and the most frequent question asked is "Who will give me my pocket money?" Can be downloaded from COMIC website and is part of the "Supporting Our Family Kit"
Available via: Web
Email: comic.admin@bigpond.com
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

Other Literature

A Parent Education Initiative in Adult Mental Health: Children of parents diagnosed with mental illness.  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available

Addressing the needs of children of parents with mental illness: current approaches  2004
Contemporary Nurse, 18, 67-80. Is a review of the literature and recommendations for nursing practice for COPMI and families
Available via: Journal
Contemporary Nurse Journal
Web:http://www.contemporarynurse.com/archives/vol/18/issue/1-2/advances-in-contemporary-child-and-family

Building Partnerships: Southern Partnership project. 'Listen to the children'  1997
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports Project Report and Model for the Development of Interagency Partnerships.
Available via: Not Publicly Available
School of Social Work,The University of Melbourne
Parkville, Victoria.  

CROSSING BRIDGES  
Workforce development for professionals. Training Resources for working with Mentally Ill Parents and Their Children
Available via: Web
Pavilion Publishing,
Email: pavpub@pavilion.co.uk
Web:http://www.pavpub.com/pavpub/trainingmaterials

Evaluation of Carers NSW Young Carer Camp, April 02.  2002
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Carers NSW
Sydney, Australia.  

Evaluation of Carers NSW Young Carer Camp: Dec 2000.  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
South West Sydney Area Health Service
Sydney, Australia    02 9280 4744
Email: yc@carersnsw.asn.au

Evaluation of Carers NSW Young Carer Camp: July 2001.  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
South West Sydney Area Health Service
Sydney, Australia     02 9280 4744
Email: yc@carersnsw.asn.au

Evaluation of Carers NSW Young Carer Project (includes Apr 2000 camp).  2000
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
South West Sydney Area Health Service
Sydney, Australia    02 9280 4744
Email: yc@carersnsw.asn.au

Evaluation of the SMILES Program for children with mentally ill parents: Bankstown, Sydney (17-19 January 2001).  2002
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
South West Sydney Area Health Service
Sydney, Australia    02 6360 7890
Email: ericap@ix.net.au

Families that have Alcohol and Mental Health Problems  
Workforce development for professionals A template for partnership working.
Available via: Web
Social Care Institute for Excellence in the UK
Web:http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/results.asp?pubType=Resource%20guide

Feeling Fine and Fitting In: A psycho-educational support programme for children whose parents are affected by mental illness - a collaborative process.  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Queenscliff Community Health Service, NSW
 (02) 9466 2500

Gaining Ground Family Liaison Project Liverpool Fairfield; Early Beginnings: January - June 2001  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Liverpool-Fairfield Mental Health Service

High Risk Infants Service Quality Initiative Evaluation: Implementation of the Parent Assessment and Skill Development Program,  2001
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports High Risk Infants Service Quality Initiative Evaluation: Implementation of the Parent Assessment and Skill Development Program.
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Victorian Department of Human Services.

High Risk Infants Service Quality Initiatives - Evaluation Report  2000
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Victorian Department of Human Services

IMPACT Program Evaluation - 12 month group program for family members where a parent has a mental illness 1996.  1996
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Wentworth Area Mental Health Services
PO Box 63 Penrith, NSW  2751

KOPING Statewide Training; Supporting Children Whose Parents Are Living with a Mental Health Problem. Final Report.  2002
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital and Health Service District and Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.

Mazes and Minefields: An alternative approach to considering the needs of mothers who experience the effects of mental illness at the interface of FAYS and the mental health system, A resource for workers. 2002,  2002
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Women's Health Statewide
Web:http://www.whs.sa.gov.au

Parents and Children's Group 2004 Evaluation Report  2005
Report on the evaluation of the Parents and Childrens Group.
Available via: Email
NorthWestern Mental Health, Victoria.
Email: Sabin.Fernbacher@mh.org.au

Parents in Partnership: Developing services to better meet the needs of parents who have a mental illness  1998
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Mental Health Branch of the Department of Human Services

PATIENTS AS PARENTS  
Workforce development for professionals The Royal College of Psychiatrists council report addressing the needs, including the safety of children whose parents have mental illness.
Available via: Web
The Royal College of Psychiatrists , UK
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/new/index.htm

Peer Support for Children Of Parents With Mental Illness: Program Design and Evaluation.  1997
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Mental Health Research Institute

Primary Schools: A venue for mental health/illness promotion: A pilot project. Australian and New Zealand  2001
The MHS Conference Proceedings
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.themhs.org/p.aspx?n=BCDDV-UQCKM-PICVO-JFRHB-OLWTJ

Promoting Positive Outcomes for Parents with Serious Mental Illness.  1998
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research and Queensland Health Promotion Council.

Promoting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people from families with a parental mental illness; Key Findings and Promising Practices  2006
Program outcome report summary (with links to full evaluation reports)of the PATS and VicChamps programs.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/Content.aspx?topicID=222

SMILES/Explorations Canadian Program Report.  2003
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Mental Illness Education - Australia (NSW) Inc
Sydney, Australia    02 6360 7890
Email: ericap@ix.net.au

Steps Toward Evidence-Based Practices for Parents with Mental Illness and Their Families  2002
Overseas Program Evaluation Reports
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/KEN02-0133/

Summary Evaluation of Carers NSW Young Carer Camps: 2000-2001.  2003
Australian Program Evaluations/Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
South West Sydney Area Health Service
Sydney, Australia  

The extent and impact of parental mental health problems on families and the acceptability, accessibility and effectiveness of interventions - Searchable database.  2006
The Social Care Institute for Excellence in UK conducted a systematic mapping project on 'The extent and impact of parental mental health problems on families and the acceptability, accessibility and effectiveness of interventions'. Using selected inclusion criteria the mapping resulted in a listing of reference details for 754 articles/documents. Searches can be conducted by going to: http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/webdatabases/Intro.aspx?ID=9. The full report describing the mapping project can be found on: http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/map/map01.asp
Available via: Web
Web:http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/webdatabases

The SMILES Program: A group program for children with mentally ill parents or siblings.  2002
Journal article American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 2004, Vol 74 No 3 383-388
Available via: Not Publicly Available
 02 6360 7890
Email: ericap@ix.net.au

The Super Saturday Club; A review of an innovative recreational program for children living in families with parental mental illness.  2002
Overseas Program Evaluation Reports
Available via: Not Publicly Available
Vancouver Community Health Service c/- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
200 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4H5