Resources for Health and Community Workers

Book/s

About Mental Illness: A booklet for 13-16 year olds.    
A booklet for 13-16 year olds.
Available via: Postal Address
Association of Relatives & Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI)
275 Stirling Street Perth 6000 Email:  arafmihunter@exe.ail.com.au

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

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

Carers guide to information sharing with mental health clinicians: Communicating for better outcomes     2007
Information booklet for family carers. The guide has been developed in partnership between the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, UWA; the Mental Health Division; the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and Carers WA. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Mental health Division
Web:http://www.chiefpsychiatrist.health.wa.gov.au/docs/guides/Carers_Guide_Information_Sharing.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 Mental Illness   Vicki Cowling   1999
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 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
Review available from: COPMI site

Children of Parents with Mental Illness, and Child Protection: Recent Evidence   Graham Martin  
Presentation to Child Safety Services, Department of Communities (Qld). [Australia]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/research/documents/children-of-parents-with-mental-illness.pdf

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

Communicating with carers and families: Information sharing for better outcomes    
Information booklet and practice guide for mental health clinicians. The guide has been developed in partnership between the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, UWA; the Mental Health Division; the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and Carers WA, 2007. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Mental health Division
Web:http://www.chiefpsychiatrist.health.wa.gov.au/docs/guides/Communicating_with_Carers_and_Families.pdf

Families where a parent has a mental illness: A service development strategy    
Developed by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services. The overall aim of the FaPMI Strategy is to reduce the impact of parental mental illness on all family members through timely, coordinated, preventative and supportive action. This, in turn, would deliver greater opportunities and more positive outcomes for all family members. The priority is on better understanding the needs of families where a parent has a mental illness and the associated risks for all family members, including children. To this end, the FaPMI Strategy is aimed at assisting services to develop more coordinated and effective approaches to address the heightened risk burden of families. It has a particular interest in promoting the inclusion of those not currently accessing supports.
Available via: Web
Victorian Government Department of Human Services, FaPMI
Web:http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/health/mentalhealth/families/families.pdf

Family Minded: supporting children in families affected by mental illness     2008
This report is based on the experiences of a number of Barnardo?s services that work with children whose lives are affected by parental mental ill-health. It is informed by the academic literature in this field. It explores the challenges of parental mental illness for both policy and practice, addressing mental health policy and practice in all four nations of the UK.
Available via: Web
Bernados
Web:http://www.barnardos.org.uk/family_minded_report.pdf

Flying Dream (The)   Samantha Tidy & illustrated by Connah Brecon  
Written for children of parents with dual diagnosis but can be used for working with parents to help them understand their children's needs and identify what they can do differently to assist their children, building their motivation to change, seek assistance etc. and empowering to do what they feel they can do. This publication was developed by the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) through the National Illicit Drug Strategy. Sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services. [Australia] (2.15MB).
Available via: Web
NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS)
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/dualdiagnosis_flying_dream.pdf

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 a childhood spent in orphanages or Homes - the 'Forgotten Australians'.
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

Improving opportunities and outcomes for parents with mental health needs and their children    
This report, produced by Barnardo?s Policy and Research Unit and DMSS Research and Consultancy, analyses the work of the Action 16 outcomes partnership 2005 ? 2008, which aimed to find ways of improving opportunities and outcomes for parents with mental health needs and their children.
Available via: Web
Bernados
Web:http://www.barnardos.org.uk/action16_report_final_2__1_5_09-2.pdf

Infants of parents with mental illness: Developmental, clinical, cultural and personal perspectives.   Sved Williams, A. & Cowling, V. (Eds)   2008
This book incorporates the lived experience of family members, including grandparents, siblings, mothers and fathers, with other chapters written by a multi-disciplinary group of Australian health professionals. In addressing clinical, developmental, cultural and personal perspectives, it overviews the field of infant mental health.
Available via: Web
Australian Academic Press
 07 3257 1176
Email:  mailto:aap@australianacademicpress.com.au
Web:http://www.australianacademicpress.com.au/Publications/Books/4-921513039.html

Interfaces Project: Exploring the links between mental health services for children, adults and families    
This report examines the extent to which modern mental health systems were responding to service users as parents, and working in partnership with other agencies and groups who had a role in ensuring children's well-being and healthy emotional development. Within adult mental health services, it was found that the children of service users were not routinely assessed or offered any ?planned, purposeful therapeutic intervention?, even though there was a wealth of evidence to suggest children could be adversely affected by a parent?s mental ill health (Gillam, Crofts, Fadden, Keren Corbett, 2004 for the NIMHE (National Institute for Mental Health in England), NHS, The Meriden West Midlands Family Programme). [UK]
Available via: Web
NIMHE & National Institute for Mental Health in England
Web:http://www.meridenfamilyprogramme.com/documents/research/Interfaces_Project_Report.pdf

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

Joint Working Protocol: Safeguarding children whose parents/carers use drugs/alcohol or have mental health needs     2008
This Joint Working Protocol (Hampshire County Council, 2008) is an example of collaboration with a number of sectors and services. It is a protocol developed to protect the wellbeing of children of parents/carers who use drugs/alcohol or have mental health needs by promoting effective communication between drugs/alcohol, mental health, primary health care and children?s services and encouraging services to work together and also with the families in their assessment and care planning. [UK]
Available via: Web
Hampshire County Council
Web:http://www.youngcarer.com/pdfs/Hampshire%20Joint%20Working%20Protocol.pdf

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
Web:http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/media/newsdesk/documents/ReviewsofJourneyswiththeBlackDog.pdf

Keeping the Family In Mind: a briefing on young carers whose parents have mental health problems    
Barnardo?s 2008 Keeping the Family in Mind (KFIM) is a development project which has grown out of Barnardo?s Action with Young Carers Project in Liverpool. One of its objectives is to increase awareness and understanding of the effects of adult mental ill health upon the whole family, especially children. [UK]
Available via: Web
Bernados
Web:http://www.barnardos.org.uk//keeping_the_family_in_mind.pdf

Mark's Mum is Depressed   National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland   2003
This illustrated book (along with 'Mia's Dad is Strange)for children and families, has been produced by the National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland in 2003. They were both developed for children under 12 years of age with the intention of explaining the effects of a parent's psychosis (Mia) and depression (Mark) on a child's everyday life. The books cost 5 Euro each (plus postage) and can be ordered by emailing 'The National Family Association from Promoting Mental Health in Tampere' - see English page on their website for details.
Available via: Email
The National Family Association for Promoting Health in Tampere
Hämeenkatu 25 A 33200  Tampere, Finland  Web:http://omaiset-tampere.fi/

Mia's Dad is Strange   National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland   2003
This illustrated book (along with 'Mark's Mum is Depressed) for children and families, has been produced by the National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland in 2003. They were both developed for children under 12 years of age with the intention of explaining the effects of a parent's psychosis (Mia) and depression (Mark) on a child's everyday life. The books cost 5 Euro each (plus postage) and can be ordered by emailing 'The National Family Association from Promoting Mental Health in Tampere' - see English page on their website for details.
Available via: Email
The National Family Association for Promoting Health in Tampere
Hämeenkatu 25 A 33200  Tampere, Finland  Web:http://omaiset-tampere.fi/

National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce     2002
In 2002, the National Mental Health Education and Training Advisory Group (NMHETAG) developed the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce. The specific needs of children are highlighted throughout the standards ensuring that mental health workers acknowledge children of parents with mental illness and resources that will assist their wellbeing. [Australia]
Available via: Web
NMHETAG (National Mental Health Education and Training Advisory Group)
Web:http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/2ED5E3CD955D5FAACA25722F007B402C/$File/workstds.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
Review available from: COPMI site

Parental Mental Health Vulnerability     2007
Practice Resource
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/brighterfutures_mentalhealth.pdf

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

Parents in Hospital: How mental health services can best promote family contact when a parent is in hospital     2007
A stay in hospital can represent a significant crisis, not just in terms of a parent's individual mental health but of family life overall, and may have long term repercussions beyond the period of hospitalisation itself. The findings of this Barnardo's report suggest that this can be re-framed as an opportunity for services to provide more holistic care.
Available via: Web
Bernados
Web:http://www.barnardos.org.uk/parents_in_hospital_july_2007.pdf

Piecing The Puzzle Together: Raising young people when mental illness is part of your life   COPMI   2009
This booklet is for people living with a mental health problem or mental illness, whose children are aged between 2 and 7 years. It's also for partners, family and friends.
It contains helpful ideas about being the best parent you can when you're not as well as you'd like to be and ways to support your child's development during their special early years.
Produced in consultation with consumers, carers, workers, academics and policy makers.

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/

Results of the Give Childhood a Chance project in 2002-2006   Hannu Alastalo and Kaisa Nyberg  
Report of the Give Childhood a Chance project - Tampere, Finland (Alastalo & Nyberg). [Finland]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.omaiset-tampere.fi/pdf/Results%20of%20the%20Give%20Childhood%20a%20Chance.pdf

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 School 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

Supporting Families With Parental Mental Illness: A community education and development workshop     2002
A training tool for communities to organise services to support families: a ?stand-alone? self-explanatory document that contains all the information needed to hold a successful workshop to inform audiences as to the issues involved in supporting families with parental mental illness. [Canada]
Available via: Web
Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness Provincial Working Group, Government of British Columbia
Web:http://www.bcss.org/2001/06/resources/health-professionals/professional-development/supporting-families-with-parental-mental-illness-a-community-education-and-development-manual/

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, monitor 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