Resources for children aged 7-12 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.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.maginationpress.com

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

Big and Me David Miller 2008
Big and Small are machines that work together as a team. But some days Big goes a bit wobbly, and Small gets worried. Big malfunctions in a variety of ways and Small tries to help with the assistance of The Boss and Mechanic. The story is a metaphor for a child living with an adult who suffers from mental illness. Big and Me is dramatically illustrated with paper sculpture. Review available from COPMI weblink below.

Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Ford St Publishing
Web:http://www.fordstreetpublishing.com/
Review available from: COPMI website - Reviews section

Bipolar Bear Family (The): When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder Angela Holloway 2006
The Bipolar Bear Family is a story about a young cub who struggles to understand his mother's behavior and her subsequent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. The story of The Bipolar Bear Family helps children of bipolar parents address such questions as: Is this my fault? Is it contagious? Can I fix it?According to the National Institute for Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder affects more than 2 million American adults. Further, we know that the dynamics of Mental Illness closely mirror the dynamics of alcoholism and addiction in its impact on the family system. By compassionately educating parents and children, the author hopes to make a life-long difference for these courageous families.

Available via: Bookstore/Retail

Blue Polar Bear (The) 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.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.nscchealth.nsw.gov.au/carersupport/fami/ddkit/default.shtml

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.
Available via: Web
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1 Email: marketing@camh.net
Web:http://www.camh.net

Caring Around The Clock Unlisted author
Booklet with information and support for young people. This publication is an illustrated 16-page booklet designed to help young carers cope with the pressure they face.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/campaigns/pinc/

Family Talk: Tips and information for families where a parent has a mental health problem or disorder. COPMI
A booklet written with and for families in which a parent has a mental illness or mental health problem and contains tips and information for parents, children and young people and others who care, Also included are 'press out' cards for children and young people to use to record their important phone numbers.
Available from this site or via the online order form.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au

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

Handle With Care L. Kaszanski & G Ferrari
Contains information and activities to help you understand more about mental illness, ways to take care of yourself and your feelings.
Available via: Postal Address
Association of Relatives & Friends of the Mentally Ill (WA)
Unit 6, Endeavour House Hillarys,WA 6052 0894027022

Helicopter Man Elizabeth Fensham 2005
A novel in diary format for children 9-12 in which the main character, Pete, experiences adventure whilst learning about his father's schizophrenia.
Bloomsbury Publishing [distributed in Australia by Allen and Unwin and available in most book stores]
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Review available from: COPMI site

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

Joe's Diary SANE AUSTRALIA
Researced and written in consultation with a team of young people, parents and mental health workers, Joe's Diary tells the story in a year in the life of Joe and his mother who has schizophrenia, and how they both learn to cope with the effects of her illness. Aimed at he 10-14 year old age group, it deals with the issues of concern to any young person who has a relative or friend with a long-term mental illness
Available via: Web
03 9682 5933
Web:http://www.sane.org

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.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Spectrum Publications
Email: spectpub@ozemail.com.au

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/

Mental Illness In Your Family? A YoungMinds booklet 2003
Anyone who has a family member suffering from mental illness will find this booklet helpful. It explains what mental illness is, the different kinds of mental illnesses and their symptoms. It also looks at the causes of mental illness and the impact that it has on other family members. [UK] (712.90KB).
Available via: Web
YoungMinds (UK)
Email: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
Web:http://www.youngminds.org.uk/publications/all-publications/mental-illness-in-your-family/file

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/

Need to Know Adapted for National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) 2006
A guide for young people (11-14 years) who have a parent with 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
Review available from: www.nsfscot.org.uk

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

Available via: Bookstore/Retail

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety Dawn Huebner (Published by Magination Press) 2006
This book encourages children to gradually overcome any out-of-perspective worries. For children aged 6-12 years. The book is intended to be worked through with an adult.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.maginationpress.com

When Tough Stuff Happens: An Activity Book for Tough Times for 7-12 year olds Tricia Irving 2001
This is an activity book designed to be personalised by 7-12 year olds who are facing tough times in their lives. It helps children to find words and ways to express and process what's happening to them.
Available via: Web
Skylight
PO Box 7309 Wellington South, New Zealand 0800 299 100
Email: support@skylight-trust.org.nz
Web:http://www.skylight.org.nz

Wise Mouse, The Virginia Ironside 2003
A short book written for 5-11 year olds to help them understand what is happening to a family member who may be experiencing mental illness.
Available via: Web
Young Minds UK
Web:http://www.youngminds.org.uk
Review available from: COPMI site

Wishes and Worries Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada 2005
A story to help children understand a parent who drinks too much alcohol.
Available via: Web
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Canada)
Email: marketing@camh.net
Web:http://www.camh.net/Publications/CAMH_Publications/wishes_worries_sellsheet.pdf

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

Worry Tree, The Marianne Musgrove 2007
An ideal aid in relieving stress or anxiety in children.

Juliet's a worrywart, and no wonder! Her little sister, Oaf, follows her around taking notes and singing 'The Irritating Song' all day long. Her parents are always arguing about Dad's junk. Nana's so tired of craft lessons that she starts barbecuing things in the middle of the night. And Juliet's friends, Lindsay and Gemma, are competing to see which of them is Juliet's best friend. Juliet can't fit in any more worries!
But then she makes a remarkable discovery. Behind the wallpaper in her new bedroom, Juliet uncovers an old painting of a very special tree. Nana remembers it well. It's the Worry Tree, and with the help of a duck called Delia and the other Worry Tree animals, Juliet just might be able to solve some of life's big problems.

Winner of the Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature 2008 and shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Best Children's Book, the 2008 Adelaide Festival Award for Children's Literature and the Australian Children's Peace Literature Prize 2007

See also Marianne Musgrove - Author
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Review available from: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781741662313

You're Not Alone SANE Australia
A SANE guide to mental illness for children
Can be ordered by website or phone.
Available via: Web
SANE AUSTRALIA
03 9682 5933
Web:http://www.sane.org

Website/Online

COMIC WA (COMIC - Children Of Mentally Ill Consumers)
Aims & Objectives COMIC will: - Advocate for services to be made available to all families where a family member has a mental illness - Be guided by the experiences of children and adult children who have a parent with a mental illness - Lobby Government to provide funding for services where mental illness is present in families - Map any existing programs that deliver services to children who have a family member with a mental illness - Provide education to families Government and Non-Government agencies about the needs of children who have a parent with a mental illness - Promote the Family Support Program and provide research and information to MIFWA that informs the Family Support Program
Available via: Web
COMIC WA
Web:http://www.comicwa.org/

Council for the Care of Children
Council for the Care of Children is an organisation working to make sure children and young people in South Australia are safe and have a good start in life. We are based in Adelaide. Ten of our members are leaders from the community, including an Aboriginal leader and two young people who have spent time in out of home care. The Minister for Families and Communities names the state government departments to be on the Council and the heads of those departments also sit on the Council. Our vision We speak up for South Australian children to make sure that they are cherished, nurtured and respected. We want South Australia to be a child-friendly state that acknowledges children's rights and seeks to ensure that children are: safe, happy , healthy, confident and secure, supported to learn and grow. This website includes a section 'For Children & Young People'. In this section children and young people can look in: - The Shed - find out what's happening in your backyard. Australian children talk about what's important to them, and we let you know about events for children and young people. - Know Your Rights Game - play this fun game about children's rights to see how well you know your rights. Get your friends, parents, teachers and other young people and adults to play the game too! - The Help and Support page has links to places that may be able to help children and young people.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.childrensa.sa.gov.au/index.html

Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI) Website
For children who have an adult family member with a mental illness or mental health issues. Check the 'Service Directory' tab on website for information about FaPMI.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.easternhealth.org.au/

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/

International Young Carer Programs Directory 2010
A resource for individuals and organisations looking for innovative ways to support young carers who have a parent with a mental illness and to facilitate the collaboration between agencies state wide, nationally and internationally.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.waamh.org.au/latestNews.cfm?mode=fullStory&newsArticleID=154

National Children's and Youth Law Centre 1993
The NCYLC is Australia's national community legal centre dedicated to representing the rights and interests of children and young people. The Centre provides advice and information about the law to children and young people and also works with those who support and advocate for children.
Available via: Web
National Children's and Youth Law Centre
Web:http://www.ncylc.org.au

Who are Young Carers? 2010
YouTube presentation developed by a young carer.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujwg73SjYOA

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:http://www.youngcarersnsw.asn.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

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.nscchealth.nsw.gov.au/carersupport/fami/ddkit/default.shtml

Factsheet/Pamphlets

It's About You Too!
This booklet for children (aged 8-10) has been produced by The National Schizophrenia Fellowship and is designed either to be read by family members or used as a communication tool by professionals who work with families and include an explanation of what mental illness is, what other common mental health terms mean and how mental illness can affect people.
Available via: Please Select
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) - Scotland
Email: info@nsfscot.org.uk
Web:http://www.nsfscot.org.uk/

Care Plans

7 Steps to Safety kit
7 Steps to Safety - a kit for parents and carers of children of all ages. It can help give children the skills and confidence they need to feel and be safe at home. Each step can be adapted to suit the needs of individual children, families and cultures.
Available via: Web
NT Families and Children, Department of Health and Families
Web:http://www.families.nt.gov.au/asp/index.asp

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

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

Family Support Plan 2006
The Family Safety Plan is aimed at minimising the disruption that occurs when a parent is hospitalised. It can be used when the parent or caregiver is well and the information can be shared with those providing support. It specifies emergency care options, custodial restrictions, medical requirements/medications etc, school/daycare contacts, children?s routines and needs etc.
Available via: Email
The Koping Program (Child & Youth Mental Health Service)
31-33 Robinson Road Nundah 4012 (07) 3266 3100
Email: koping@health.qld.gov.au

Ulysses Agreement - Alberta Health Services 2010
A Ulysses Agreement is a non-legal document that serves as a proactive plan. It might also be referred to as a Care, Treatment and Personal Management Plan. It allows for a parent with a mental illness to prepare some information for sharing and to make some decisions in advance of going through a period of incapacitation due to their mental illness. The plan can outline provisions for themselves, their family and the care of their children.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/mh/pdfs/collaborative/HealthInformationBrochures/theulyssesagreement.pdf

Ulysses Agreement - British Columbia Schizophrenia Society 2010
A Ulysses Agreement is a voluntary process, a plan that outlines to others what they should and should not do to support the children and the parent/s. It also allows the parent to plan how their children will be cared for should they relapse and be temporally unable to care for their children. The wellness part of the plan uses components of the Wellness Recovery Plan (WRAP) as designed by Mary Ellen Copeland. A wellness plan outlines what a person does everyday to be the healthiest they can be. The Ulysses Agreement is designed so that parents with the mental health concern can build a support team (professional & non-professional) that will meet the family?s needs during times of struggle therefore meeting the safety needs of children. This means that it reduces the need for child welfare organisation to become involved with the family. Ulysses Agreements can be designed for children, youth and adult needs as well. This particular agreement is designed to meet parent's needs. This document is meant to be a guide. A good Ulysses Agreement is always unique to the person developing it. Feel free to adapt and change it as you need.
Available via: Web
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
Web:http://www.bcss.org/2009/12/programs/ulysses-agreement-planning-for-support/

Other Literature

Is There Anybody Out There? 1998
This resource for young people (aged 13 - 18 years) contains information about mental illness in an easy-to-read 'comic' format. This resource is currently out of print, however, it is available for downloading from the COPMI website - with kind permission from the Discovery Program (Community Focus Association Inc).
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/jsp/resources/files/Is_there_anybody_out_there.pdf

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