Resources for children aged up to 6 years

Book/s

A Terrible Thing Happened   Margaret M. Holmes (Published by Magination Press)   2000
A picture book for 4-8 year old children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode. It uses friendly animal characters to tell the story, which centres around Sherman, who has had something terrible happen to him. The story explores the ways this made him feel and what helped him to feel better.
Availability: Web:http://www.maginationpress.com

Can I Catch It Like A Cold?   Gretchen Kelbaugh  
A story to help children understand a parent's depression. Aimed at children in the 5-9 year age range.
Availability: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1 Email:  marketing@camh.net
Web:http://www.camh.net

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.
Availability: 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

JAKE'S DINOSAUR   Ann Sved-Williams   1996
A picture book for 3-6 years olds.
Availability: Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box 17 Eastwood 5063   (08) 8303 1451

Making Mummy Better   Denise Scott (Published by Spectrum Publications)   2001
A picture book about Sally, who's mum has had a new baby and is now suffering from post-natal depression. This book gives comfort and reassurance to 3-9 year olds in the same situation, that it is possible for their mums to get better with help, support and time.
Availability: Spectrum Publications
Email:  spectpub@ozemail.com.au

Robby Rose and Monkey   L.Wilkinson  
A Picture book for children aged 3 - 6 years
Availability: Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box17 Eastwood,SA 5063  08 83031451

Something Has Happened: An activity book for young people   Tricia Irving   2000
An activity book for young children (aged 3-6 years old) who are facing difficult times. It is designed to be personalised by each child. There are guidelines on every page for a parent or carer as they help a child with the book.
Availability: Skylight
PO Box 7309 Wellington South, New Zealand   0800 299 100
Email:  support@skylight-trust.org.nz
Web:http://www.skylight.org.nz

Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry   Campbell, Bebe Moore   2003
A little girl copes with her mother's mental illness, with the help of her grandmother and friends. More details at www.penguin.com/young readers
Availability:

The Blue Polar Bear   Samantha Tidy and Ian Forss   2005
Developed as part of the Dual Diagnosis Support Kit produced by the NSW Department of Community Services, this book for children 5-7 years aims to assist workers carers and parents to introduce the issues of parental dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance misuse), explore concerns and encourage positive coping and help-seeking behaviours.
Availability: Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/news_publications/dual_diagnosis.htm

Website/Online

VicCHAMPS  
The CHAMPS project in Victoria Australia has developed this website for children in the 5 - 12 year age group who have an adult family member with mental illness.
Availability: Web:http://www.easternhealth.org.au/champs/

Package/Kits

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.
Availability:  (02) 9716 2356
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/news_publications/dual_diagnosis.htm

CD/DVD/Videos

My mom still loves me  
This package includes a book called "Bad Weather Good Weather" and the video "Cat-a-lion", suitable for young children (under 5 years). The video is in puppet form. Cat-a-lion goes to stay with Janet and her mother while his mother is in hospital as she is very unwell with a mental illness. Duration: Approx. 20 minutes Cost Approx. $200 Australian
Availability: Turtle Creek Mental Health, USA
Email:  Ashanks@tcvmhmr.org

Care Plans

Baby Care Plan  2004
Care plan for parents to complete providing instructions for the care of an infant while the parent/s is unavailable.
Availability: AICAFMHA
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/download.html

Child Care Plan  
An example child Care Plan can be found on the COMIC website
Availability: Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

W.A. Child Care Plan  
A Western Australian version of the COMIC package is availablefrom the WA Office of Mental Health website.
Availability: WA Office of Mental Health
Web:http://www.mental.health.wa.gov.au/one/aboutus_resources.asp