Resources for Parents with a Mental Illness and their Support People

Book/s

Website/Online

Helpline/s

Package/Kits

Factsheet/Pamphlets

Newsletter/s

CD/DVD/Videos

Care Plans

Other Literature

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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 Our Voices   Toni Payne  
Carers NSW Stories from carers of people with a mental illness. A collection of 10 moving and hopeful stories from carers of people with a mental illness. This book contains a number of different perspectives on caring: those of parent carers, siblings, spouses and children. There is also a story from an Aboriginal carer and two from a non-English speaking background. The stories deal with both the practical and emotional issues of caring.
Available via: Postal Address
Carers NSW
Level 17, 323 Castlereagh St Sydney, NSW 2000  1800 242 636

Hidden Victims/Hidden Healers   Julie Tallard Johnson   1998
For adult children of mentally ill parents. A very practical guide that will help you realise that there are alternatives to common patterns of coping. You can care for your mentally ill loved one without losing sight of your own needs.
Available via: Postal Address
ARAFMI (NSW) Inc
PO Box 302 North Ryde, NSW 1670  (02) 9887 5897

Illustrated Mother, The   Jacqueline Wilson  
The book is about a mother grappling with mental illness and its affect on her two daughters, but is quite comical and written in a light hearted way (Quoted from N Goad)
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

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

Making Time to Talk   National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)   2006
Advice for parents with mental illness. Sharing good parenting practice methods and and explanation on how children may think or feel.
Available via: Web
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
Claremont House, 130 East Claremont Street 130 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

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/

Mums and Dads - Parents with experience of mental illness share their stories   Mental Health Commission and Kites (NZ)   2005
12 parents who have experienced mental illness share their stories to inspire others.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.kites.org.nz/pdf/mums-and-dads.pdf

My Parent's Keeper   Eva Marian Brown  
Another book in the series is "My Sister's Keeper" which is about a sibling with mental illness.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
New Harbinger Publications

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 Darkened Room   William R. Beardslee   2002
This book draws on Dr. Beardslee's research in prevention programs with families affected by parental depression - bringing the subject of depression out of the dark and into an open family discussion.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Little, Brown and Company, Boston. ISBN 0-316-08549-9

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 Well When You're Depressed   Joanne Nicholson   2001
Parents who have experienced depression have actively participated in the development of this resource guide.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
New Harbinger Publishing, Oakland CA ISBN 1-57224-251-5

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

Robby Rose and Monkey   Andrea Louis   1995
A Picture book for children aged 3 - 6 years
Available via: Postal Address
Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box17 Eastwood,SA 5063  08 83031451

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

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/

To Be Delighted In! What we want and need: a baby's view.   Neil Alcorn   2008
A book for parents about what a baby needs. Written from the baby's perspective, this book details the developmental stages of babies in their first 6 months. It describes their needs and wants and their their methods of signaling or communicating these to their parents/carers.
Available via: Email
Email:  tobedelightedin@hotmail.com
Review available from: COPMI site

Understanding & Coping With Schizophrenia   Dr. Ken Alexander  
The 14 Principles are adaptable for any mental disorder, not just schizophrenia. To cope with mental illness relatives need education, training and support. This book shows there are positive ways of coping with stress and how to solve the problems of caring. It enables relatives to move from "passive minding" to appropriate assertive caring.
Available via: Postal Address
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
PO Box 359 Clifton Hill, VIC 3068  03 9482 4199

Women Who Love Too Much   Robin Norwood   1991
This book touches on co-dependency and has a section on children of mentally ill parents.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
COMIC Pocket Books ISBN 0671733419

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 spiral bound book is a resource guide on parenting for people with disability in NSW. It includes both mainstream and disability - specific resources that can be of benefit to parents (to be) with disability and chronic illness. A printable pdf version is also available. Future plans are to develop the resource as a web site.

Available via: Web
Independent Living Centre NSW
40 Albion Street, NSW, Australia Harris Park 2150  1800 629 072
Email:  women@mdaa.org.au
Web:http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/8028

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/

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  
This website provides fact sheets on child and adolescent development, including how to talk to children about mental illness. [US]
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/normal_adolescent_development_part_i

ARAFMI  2008
Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill. This Australian organisation provides information and support to families and carers about dealing with a mental illness and recovery. [Australia]
Available via: Web
ARAFMI
Email:  admin@arafemi.org.au
Web:http://www.arafemi.org.au/

Association For The Welfare Of Child Health  
Addresses the psychological needs of children, young people and their families. [Australia]
Available via: Web
AWCH (Association For The Welfare Of Child Health )
Web:http://www.awch.org.au/

Attachment Resources Website  
Attachment Resources is a group of like minded professionals, parents and community members interested in promoting the future mental health of the community by encouraging attachment based parenting methods and therapeutic options.

Available via: Web
Email:  attachmentresources@ozemail.com.au
Web:http://www.attachmentresources.com.au

Australian Breastfeeding Association Website  
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an organisation of people interested in the promotion and protection of breastfeeding. Amongst these are breastfeeding women and their partners and health professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives. ABA was founded in Melbourne, Victoria in 1964 (as the Nursing Mothers' Association), with the primary aim of giving mother-to-mother support to breastfeeding women.

The Association is supported by health authorities and specialists in infant and child health and nutrition, including a panel of distinguished honorary advisers. ABA is recognised internationally as a source of accurate information about breastfeeding management and research.

With the support of the Lactation Resource Centre (LRC), ABA provides information to its counsellors and educates the wider community, from preschools to universities and professional organisations. ABA's voluntary breastfeeding counsellors are experienced mothers who have completed an intensive training programme and have successfully breastfed their own children. They are bound by a code of ethics and offer their support over the telephone, in person and through a wide range of literature.

Since its inception over 200,000 people have been members of ABA and thousands more have used the telephone counselling services, literature and community education opportunities. ABA is one of the largest non-profit self-help groups in Australia.

Available via: Web
Email:  info@breastfeeding.asn.au
Web:http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network (ACATLGN)  
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) is for everyone involved in the care of children/youth and interested in the potential impact of trauma, loss and grief experiences.

ACATLGN focuses on:

- bringing together stakeholders in the areas of practice, policy and research related to children and adolescents with experiences of trauma, loss and grief

- supporting local and national networking and linkages between people responsible for, or working with , children, adolescents and their families

- offering the best available knowledge, information and resources to support service providers, researchers, educators, trainers, policy makers and advocates. 


The website contains key resources covering the spectrum of trauma, loss and grief experiences for children and adolescents. You can become a member of the network for free and this offers the opportunity for professionals to network with others in this area as well as receive regular newsletters and updates.
Available via: Web
Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network (ACATLGN)
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University Canberra  Email:  earlytraumagrief@anu.edu.au
Web:http://www.earlytraumagrief.anu.edu.au/

BC Mental Health & Addiction Services  
An agency of the BC (British Columbia) Provincial Health Services Authority providing a diverse range of mental health services to people across BC.
Available via: Web
British Columbia
Web:http://www.bcmhas.ca/default.htm

Black Dog Institute (The)  
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder.
Available via: Please Select
The Black Dog Institute
Email:  blackdog@blackdog.org.au
Web:http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/index.cfm

Blue Pages - Depression Information  
This information is compiled by The Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Email:  bluepages@anu.edu.au
Web:http://www.bluepages.anu.edu.au/

Brighter Futures  
This initiative is a result of the collaboration with The Fathers and Families Research Unit (University of Newcastle) and the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS). This website offers links to a range of Brighter Futures Practice Resources (which offer specialised guidance to support work with families) as well as a range of fact sheets and brochures (many of which are available in a range of languages and which can be printed out and given to clients). [Australia]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/for_agencies_that_work_with_us/early_intervention_services.html

Carers Australia Website  
The Carers Australia website provides information for family carers.

Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.

Available via: Web
 1800 242 636
Web:http://www.carersaustralia.com.au

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH)  
The CRRMH aims to bring quality education and research programmes to all rural areas of NSW through effective partnerships. The Centre will access the collective knowledge and expertise of universities, area mental health services and the resources in rural communities of NSW. [Australia]
Available via: Web
CRRMH(Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health)
Email:  helen.turnbull@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Web:http://www.crrmh.com.au/

Changing Minds  
A new web site that promotes positive mental health includes information on how to think positively, focus on strengths, how to get informed. Also includes links to information and useful websites as well as a discussion forum. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Changing Minds
Web:http://www.changingminds.org.au/home.php

Child and Youth Health (South Australia)  
Site includes comprehensive information on parent and child health, teen health, young adult health and kids health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.cyh.sa.gov.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

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/

Coping You Are Not Alone  
A website with suggestions for talking to children about mental illness. Also contains links to sections for children, teachers and educators, mental health professionals and families.
Available via: Web
MHASP (Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania)
Email:  kids@mhasp.org
Web:http://www.mhasp.org/coping/

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

Critical Issues for Parents with Mental Illness and their Families  2001
This report integrates the (then) available knowledge regarding parents with mental illness and their families. The scope of the problem is outlined, experiences of parents with mental illness in their families are described, current research on outcomes for children is evaluated, major policy and practice issues, findings and interventions are outlined.
Available via: Web
SAMHSA
Web:http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken-01-0109/default.asp

Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)  
This site contains an A?Z listing of DoHA publications - ttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs relating to mental health as well as listings about mental health programs - http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-progs.
Available via: Please Select
Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)
Web:http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Home

DepressioNet  
At DepressioNet you will find a comprehensive 24/7 resource of information, help and peer support for those touched by depression.
Available via: Web
Web: http://www.depressionet.com.au/

Effective Family Programme (The)  
A program aimed at providing the service delivery system with working methods for supporting families and children when a parent has mental health problems, a severe somatic illness or other such factors that make it more difficult to cope with parenthood.
Available via: Web
National institute for Health and Welfare
Email:  info@thl.fi
Web:http://info.stakes.fi/toimivaperhe/EN/background/background.htm

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/

Family Assessment Process: An Introduction to Ecomaps and Genograms  
This website provides definitions, descriptions and links between ecomaps and genograms and their use in risk assessment, as tools in family assessment processes. This site also includes useful genogram and ecomap templates Ohio Initiative). [US]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.ohiocla.com/Year%205%20Revisions/family_assessment.htm

Family Connections  
Family Connections is a program of Children's Hospital Boston. The Family Connections project was launched in 2003 as an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Through an Innovation and Improvement Grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start, as well as from key community partners, Family Connections has designed and implemented an innovative preventive intervention model in 10 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers in the Boston area. In our partnerships, we have provided training, mental health consultation, classroom interventions, and ongoing supervision to staff.
The Family Connections materials provide staff with information, learning opportunities, and a description of the crucial ways programs can better understand and respond to the needs of children and families. These resources are designed to promote the professional skills of Self Reflection, Self-Care, and Perspective Taking.
Available via: Web
Family Connections - Children's Hospital Boston
Web:http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2684/mainpageS2684P9.html

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/

Headspace  
The Australian National Youth Mental Health Foundation provides information and resources about mental health and illness for young people. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Headspace
Web:http://www.headspace.org.au/

HereToHelp  
This is the website of a group of seven leading Canadian mental health and addiction, nonprofit agencies working together as the ?BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information?. Funded by the BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority and with some additional support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, this organisation produces the Visions e-journal (with editions on specific themes). In the Publications section, you will find links to listings of a range of publications, including fact sheets, toolkits, ?state of the knowledge? papers and brochures. The Family Members section contains a range of useful links.
Available via: Please Select
BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information?
Email:  bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca
Web:http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

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

Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Services  
This website is a joint project of the Family Action Centre (at the University of Newcastle) and Good Beginnings to support the development of father-inclusive services for the benefit of children and families. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Email:  EnquiryCentre@newcastle.edu.au
Web:http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/fac/research/fathers/involving-fathers/

Itsallright  
Read the diaries of four fictional teenagers (based on real stories) touched by mental illness, as they deal with the challenge of living with mental illness in their families. Also includes podcasts and factsheets and information on mental illness including schizophrenia, depression. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Itsallright
Email:  info@itsallright.org
Web:http://www.itsallright.org/

Justlook  2010
Lifeline's database of where to go for help. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Lifeline
Web:http://www.justlook.org.au/

KOPING Adolescent Peer Group Program  
A group program for young people (12-18 years) with a parent with a mental health problem. It provides the opportunity for young people to access peer support and information, and to develop helpful coping strategies. The group is run every term. Click here to download information about the Koping Program. [Australia]
Available via: Web
KOPING
Web:http://www.health.qld.gov.au/rch/professionals/cymhs_early_interv.asp#akpis

Mental Health Foundation (The)  
Mental Health Foundation - Parents with mental health problems. This UK based organisation provides a range of useful podcasts, information sheets and reports.
Available via: Please Select
The Mental Health Foundation
Email:  mhf@mhf.org.uk 
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Mental Health and Well Being Website  
The website provides information on the Australian Government's role and contributions to mental health reform activities in Australia.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.gov.au

Mental Health Care  
mentalhealthcare.org.uk has been created by the Institute of Psychiatry - a teaching and research organisation that is part of King'ss College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, a health organisation that runs the Maudsley Hospital and many other mental health services in south London. Mentalhealthcare.org.uk is run in association with Rethink, a mental health charity for people with severe mental illness and their families. Rethink also works closely with the Institute of Psychiatry.
You can read about some of the research carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Rethink on the pages of this website. You can also find out more about each organisation within this section ? and how you can get involved in research that seeks to find out more about the causes of psychosis and develop better treatments and support for people with severe mental illness.

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/

Mental Health Carers ARAFMI Australia  
An agency dedicated to the provision of support for families, carers and friends with mental health issues.
Available via: Web
ARAFMI
Web:http://www.arafmiaustralia.asn.au/

Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA)  
The MHCA is a peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector, committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians. [Australia]
Available via: Web
MHCA
Web:http://www.mhca.org.au/

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand  
Provides useful links to websites, factsheets and online bibliographies. [New Zealand]
Available via: Web
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/199-Parents-with-a-Mental-Illness

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.penninecare.nhs.uk/service-users-and-carers/your-mental-health/

Mind  
Mind is a UK mental health charity that campaigns for people?s rights, challenges poor practice in mental health and informs and support thousands of people on a daily basis. This website has a very useful 'Information' section with a range of booklets and factsheets on a variety of topics (e.g. How to parent when you're in a crisis, How to cope with hospital admission, How to cope with panic attacks, Making sense of antipsychotics, Making sense of antidepressants).
Available via: Please Select
Mind: For better mental health
Email:  contact@mind.org.uk
Web:http://www.mind.org.uk/

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/

mychild  
Mychild is an initiative of the Australian Government. This site is for families, parents and carers and provides access to important health, early learning, child care and parenting support information. Also includes summaries of the roles and responsibilities of various early childhood government departments or agencies - http://www.mychild.gov.au/about.htm
Available via: Please Select
Mychild
Web:http://www.mychild.gov.au/

Mychild Website  
The mychild.gov.au website provides information on different types of child care and how to access assistance with the cost of child care. There is a database you can search to locate and access a street view of child care services in your local area. In many cases, you will also be able to find the service's vacancy and fee information. You will also find links to other useful websites about children's health and wellbeing, parenting and family support services.

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mychild.gov.au

National Mental Health Plan 2003 -2008  2003
This plan identifies four priority themes: mental health promotion and prevention; increasing responsiveness to consumers and carers across all mental health and related services; strengthening quality; and fostering research and innovation across the sector for sustainable programs and services. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Australian Health Ministers, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Web:http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-n-plan03

National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) - Scotland  
The National Schizophrenia Fellowship has produced three booklets to break down the barriers to communication for families in this situation: ?It's About You Too!?, (for children aged 8-10), ?Need to Know? (for young people aged 11-14), ?Making Time to Talk? (advice for parents). All three booklets are 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. All three booklets focus on the importance of open and honest communications in promoting understanding and combating stigma. [UK]
Available via: Please Select
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF)
Email:  info@nsfscot.org.uk
Web:http://www.nsfscot.org.uk/

Parenting and Children  2006
An online information sheet about parenting with a mental illness from the UK based Rethink organisation.
Available via: Web
Rethink
Email:  info@rethink.org
Web:http://www.rethink.org/living_with_mental_illness/everyday_living/parenting_children/index.html

Parenting NSW  
On this site, you'll find practical tips, information and resources to help make parenting a little easier.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.parenting.nsw.gov.au

Parenting SA  
Parent Easy Guides (PEGs) bring simple, easy-to-read information on many of the issues faced by parents from birth through adolescence. The PEGs represent a valuable information source not only for parents and those caring for children, but also professionals. They have been developed from research in conjunction with appropriate experts and are widely used throughout Australia. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Parenting SA
Web:http://www.parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/

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/

Raising Children website (Australia)  
The Australian parenting website. The 'parents like me' section includes information for parents with a mental illness and the site also includes information about local support services and general information for parents.
Available via: Web
Web:http://raisingchildren.net.au/

Relationships Australia Online Counselling  
Relationships Australia provides relationship support services to enhance human and family relationships. A face-to-face counselling Service, as well as an online counselling service is available.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.relationshiphelponline.com.au/

Research in Practice  
Research in Practice is the largest children and family research and implementation project in England and Wales. [UK]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.rip.org.uk/

SCIE - Poverty, parenting and social inclusion  
These e-Learning resources are freely available to all users and, through audio, video and interactive uses of technology, bring alive key aspects of poverty, parenting and social exclusion with particular reference to children and families. [UK]
Available via: Web
SCIE (Social care Insitute for Excellence)
Email:  info@scie.org.uk
Web:http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/elearning/poverty/index.asp

Strong Bonds  
Building Family Connections- provides information about adolescent development and families for families and youth workers. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Email:  info@strongbonds.jss.org.au
Web:http://www.strongbonds.jss.org.au/reasons/development.html

Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness or Problematic Substance Use  
This Canadian website includes lists of resources for parents, children and young people, links to resources for workers, ?Tip Sheets?, Ulysses Agreement resources, research reports and a 'Best Practice Guide for working with Children of Parents with Mental Illness (COPMI) and their families' - http://www.parentalmentalillness.org/Best_Practices.html Funded by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Child & Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) in Vancouver Community.
Available via: Please Select
Supporting Parents with Mental Illness or Problematic Substance Use.
Web:http://www.parentalmentalillness.org/index.html

Talking To Kids About Mental Illnesses  
This website also provides a large range of other ?Facts for Families? factsheets. [US]
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/talking_to_kids_about_mental_illnesses

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service ? Sons and Daughters initiative  
There are a range of personal, emotional and crisis issues associated with growing up in a situation where a parent is affected by war or war-like service. In response to findings of the Vietnam Veterans Health Study (1998), the VVCS implemented a number of initiatives for sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans. Website includes information about the VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, a service founded by Vietnam veterans. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mentalhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/sons-and-daughters-1

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

YAPA  
Youth Action and Policy Network - New South Wales. A website which provides information for youth and workers about a broad range of issues. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Youth Action and Policy Network - New South Wales (YAPA)
Email:  info@yapa.org.au
Web:http://www.yapa.org.au/index.php

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

Zero To Three  2009
This website provides interactive health, development and education information for parents and early childhood educators. [Australia]
Available via: Web
ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families.
Web:http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer

Package/Kits

Coloured Kit: (The)  2007
The Coloured Kit is a resource that provides support and information for young people who have a parent with a mental illness/dual diagnosis and their families. The Kit was designed to support and empower young people and their families. The kit was produced as a collaboration between a group of experienced young people, the Youth Coalition and the Children of Parents with a Mental Illness Project, Mental Health ACT.

The Kit consists of three booklets: Young People's Section, the Workers's Section, and the Support Services and Resources Section.


Booklet 1 - the Young People's Section

Booklet 1 was researched and developed by a working group of five young people and provides practical activities and accessible information to young people in families where a parent has a mental illness/dual diagnosis.

Booklet 1 is divided into four parts:

1. Introduction: Welcome to the Kit!, How to use it, Some key words that might help, What we want to say to you, Your rights.

2. Getting Support : Who can help?, Asking for help, Getting support at school, Creating my support list, Getting help for my parent in a crisis, Who can I call?, Using a phone when you have no cash, How to make an emergency phone call.

3. My Care Plan: About me, Where am I going to stay?, Things to remember if I'm staying away from home, Organising my week, Money, My medical details, Signing off.

4. Getting Info and Keeping in Touch: How do I find out what's going on?, How do I keep in touch with my parent?, Some mental health terms.

Also available:
- Workers's Section

- Support Booklet


Available via: Web
Youth Coalition of the ACT
46 Clianthus St O'Connor, ACT 2602  (02) 6247 3540
Email:  info@youthcoalition.net
Web:http://www.youthcoalition.net/documents/projects/Coloured_Kit/YPBooklet/ColouredKit-Booklet1-YPBooklet.pdf

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

Families and Mental Illness DVD Kit  
(SANE Australia) includes the SANE Guide for Families and a DVD that offers first-hand insight on dealing with mental illness in families (SANE Australia). [Australia]
Available via: Web
SANE Australia
Email:   info@sane.org
Web:http://www.sane.org/page,shop.product_details/flypage,flypage.tpl/product_id,17/category_id,15/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,363.html

Family to Family  2009
Ruah Community Services and COMIC WA have launched a series of booklets called 'Family to Family - telling it like it is'. This series of booklets was produced by a group of consumers and carers reflecting on their experiences of managing family life and raising children whilst managing the affects of mental illness, in collaboration with Ruah Community Services.
There are five booklets in the series:
- Our stories
- Children and parenting
- Families and recovery
- Going to hospital
- Working things out as a family

The booklets can be found on the Ruah website in the 'Latest news' link.

To enquire about ordering the booklets email perspectives@ruah.com.au with ?booklets? in the subject line.
Available via: Web
Ruah Community Services and COMIC WA
Web:http://www.ruah.com.au

HeretoHelp  2009
The BC Partners 'toolkits' - manuals to help you build knowledge and practice skills to manage a mental health or substance use problem, or support a loved one to do so. All of them all profiled in the 'Learn Skills' section by topic area, or by publication name below (if you know the one you want to find):

Anxiety Disorders Toolkit: A manual specially tailored for those with anxiety problems or a diagnosed anxiety disorder. A comprehensive and helpful resource that also features quizzes.

Depression Toolkit: A manual specially tailored for those with a diagnosis of depression or other mood disorders.

Family Self-Care and Recovery From Mental Illness Manual: This manual is designed for families of people dealing with a mental illness. It will help family members be informed caregivers, including taking care of themselves and other family members and maintaining their own health.

How You Can Help: A Toolkit for Families (aka the Family Toolkit): If you're a family member, friend or other carer, this workbook aims to help walk you through what you need to know about helping someone you love struggling with a mental or substance use disorder.

Mental Disorders Toolkit: An interactive experience to help you, or a loved one, better manage a mental disorder on a day-to-day basis and develop a plan to prevent relapse.

Problem Substance Use Workbook: A series of worksheets and guidelines designed to help individuals and families struggling with problems from alcohol or other drug use, wherever they may be on their road to behaviour change.

Wellness Modules: A series of worksheets on various topics to do with mental well-being including stress management, exercise, nutrition, emotions, relationships and thinking patterns. A useful resource for everyone.
Available via: Web
HeretoHelp (a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information)
Web:http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/toolkits

How You Can Help. A Toolkit For Families  2004
Designed to assist families in caring for a family member with a mental illness by providing information and practical resources. The toolkit consists of five learning modules: Understanding Mental and Substance Use Disorders, Supporting Recovery from a Mental or Substance Use Disorder, Communication and Problem-Solving Skills, Caring for Yourself and Other Family Members, and Children and Youth in the School System. [Canada]
Available via: Web
BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information
Web:http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/skills/supporting-family/family-toolkit

Minds, Myths and Me  2006
A ?fact pack? for young carers who live with someone with a mental illness. This A5 booklet was designed and produced by four young carers, using their own personal experiences to help others in the same situation. Includes a ?Disorders and Illnesses? section. For ages 12+, produced by Gloucestershire Young Carers (2006). [UK] (13.23MB).
Available via: Web
Gloucestershire Young Carers
Email:  info@gloucestershireyoungcarers.co.uk
Web:http://www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk/Website%20copy.pdf

Parenting Support Toolkit for Alcohol and Other Drug Workers. Book Two: Information and Tools  
The Victorian Parenting Centre and Odyssey House Victoria suggest that an ecomap can highlight to the family that you are interested in the complex experience of parenting. It can provide to the family a picture of their situation, resources required and potential strengths and planning needed to lead to change. For more information about ecomaps and genograms, see Chapter 26 of this Toolkit. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Odysseys House
Web:http://www.health.vic.gov.au/drugservices/downloads/pst-booklet-2.pdf

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.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/strengthening-families

Supporting Our Family  
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

Tool kit for Carers of People with Mental Illness  2009
This Tool Kit has been produced by the. Lifeline Information Service to provide some tips, suggestions and guidelines that will help assist in supporting a friend or relative with a mental illness.
facing a mental illness.
Available via: Web
Lifeline
Web:http://www.lifeline.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/7904/Lifeline_Carers_Toolkit_Feb09.pdf

Factsheet/Pamphlets

Ability to cope: Building resilience in yourself and your child  
Family Connections is a program of Children's Hospital Boston. The Family Connections project was launched in 2003 as an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Through an Innovation and Improvement Grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start, as well as from key community partners, Family Connections has designed and implemented an innovative preventive intervention model in 10 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers in the Boston area. In our partnerships, we have provided training, mental health consultation, classroom interventions, and ongoing supervision to staff.
The Family Connections materials provide staff with information, learning opportunities, and a description of the crucial ways programs can better understand and respond to the needs of children and families. These resources are designed to promote the professional skills of Self Reflection, Self-Care, and Perspective Taking.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2684/mainpageS2684P9.html

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

Carers and confidentiality in mental health: Issues involved in information-sharing  
This leaflet is about confidentiality issues which arise between mental health professionals and carers of adults with mental health problems, in particular those who provide on-going help and support, to a relative, partner or friend [UK]
Available via: Web
Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Princess Royal; Trust for Carers
Web:http://static.carers.org/files/carersandconfidentiality-13.pdf

Facts for Families #17: Children of Alcoholics  2006
A single page fact sheet providing information about the typical characteristics and feelings of children of alcoholics, and how they can be assisted. Available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #39: Children of Parents With Mental Illness  2006
A fact sheet about children who have a parent/s with a mental illness. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #77: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren  2006
A single page fact sheet about grandparents raising their grandchildren. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Malaysian, Polish and Icelandic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #84: Talking to Kids About Mental Illness  2006
A fact sheet giving information about how to talk to children of different ages about mental illness. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Polish, Icelandic, Malaysian and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #89: Coming Home: Adjustments for Military Families  2006
A fact sheet explaining the possible feelings and responses of different family members when the returning family member comes home from military deployment. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

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/

Making Time to Talk  
Produced by The National Schizophrenia Fellowship, this booklet for parents provides advice and guidance on how to tell children in their family about their mental illness and how to manage their child?s response.
Available via: Please Select
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) - Scotland
Email:  info@nsfscot.org.uk
Web:http://www.nsfscot.org.uk/

Need to Know  
This booklet for children (aged 11-14) 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/

Parenting through tough times: Coping with depression  
Family Connections is a program of Children's Hospital Boston. The Family Connections project was launched in 2003 as an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Through an Innovation and Improvement Grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start, as well as from key community partners, Family Connections has designed and implemented an innovative preventive intervention model in 10 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers in the Boston area. In our partnerships, we have provided training, mental health consultation, classroom interventions, and ongoing supervision to staff.
Available via: Web
Family Connections - Children's Hospital Boston
Web:http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2684/mainpageS2684P9.html

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

Resilience and Well Being for Parents & Carers Brochure  2008
A resource for Parents and Carers, helping to understand the importance of their child's connectedness and belonging to family, school and community.
Available via: Phone
Department of Health and Human Services - Tasmania
 0363362867

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

SANE - Guides  
Complete set of SANE guides, easy-to-read booklets on mental illness and related issues written in everyday language. Includes 16 booklets on bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, consumers, families, children & young people, medication and other treatments, healthy living, staying alive, drugs, reducing stigma, mental illness in the workplace, getting back to work and quitting smoking. Designed specifically for people with mental illness and their families.
Available via: Web
SANE Australia
Web:http://www.sane.org

Self reflection in parenting: Help for getting through stressful times  
Family Connections is a program of Children's Hospital Boston. The Family Connections project was launched in 2003 as an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Through an Innovation and Improvement Grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start, as well as from key community partners, Family Connections has designed and implemented an innovative preventive intervention model in 10 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers in the Boston area. In our partnerships, we have provided training, mental health consultation, classroom interventions, and ongoing supervision to staff.
Available via: Web
Family Connections - Children's Hospital Boston
Web:http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2684/mainpageS2684P9.html

Talking to My Kids About My Mental Health Concerns  2004
Information for parents about talking to their children and helping them to understand about mental illness.
Available via: Web
Mental Health Association in Texas
Email:  InvisibleChildrensProject@mhatexas.org
Web:http://www.mhatexas.org/57._Talking_to_My_Kids_About_My_Mental_Health_Concerns.pdf

CD/DVD/Videos

Depression in the Family: A Video  
The podcast talks about a family's experience with depression and what helped them to cope with the situation.
Availabile via: Web Web:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/depression-in-the-family-a-video

Hard Words - Video  
Aims to raise awareness about the issues facing children who have a parent with a mental illness.

Availabile via: Email ARAFMI Victoria
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 realised. (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
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 their impacts. The DVD also describes experiences of inclusion and the importance of being accepted and valued.
Go to www.nswcag.org.au and click on 'Our Work' then '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 mokeeff@nswcag.org.au.
Availabile via: Web NSW CAG - New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group
 02 9332 0200
Email:  mokeeff@nswcag.org.au
Web:http://www.nswcag.org.au/page/challenging_stigma__discrimination.html

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

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/

Still waiting for an answer  
A short film documenting the development of the Parental Mental Health Service illustrating how a pragmatic approach to service design and partnership work can respond to the needs of families where a carer has a mental health problem. [UK]
Availabile via: Web NSPCC
Email:  help@nspcc.org.uk
Web:http://www.pmhcwn.org.uk/resources.asp

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/

Wellbeing Resilience Action Planning (WRAP): A mental health promotion tool to increase wellbeing and resilience through preparedness and planning.  2009
A mental health promotion tool to increase wellbeing and resilience through preparedness and planning.
Available via: Web
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/resourcefinder/index.php?c=listings&m=results&topic=67

Other Literature

Checklists for professionals coming into contact with children of parents with mental health problems  
This checklist was designed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) in consultation with young carers to assist professionals in providing information and supporting children and young people. The College has produced a series of checklists including Checklists for carers of people with mental health problems: questions to ask the psychiatrist. [UK]
Available via: Web
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/PDF/Checklist_professionals.pdf

Ecomaps as Visual Tools for Deconstructing Reciprocal Influences: Triage with Disruptive Students at an Alternative School  2007
Ecomaps are diagrams that depict an individual or a family within a societal context, demonstrating the energy, supports, and resources necessary to main­tain specific relationships. Genograms are family trees that identify emotional relationships and intergenerational family patterns. This paper demonstrates the use of ecomaps in a variety of contexts. [US]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.adi.org/journal/fw07/Carpenter-AebyAebyBoydFall2007.pdf

Factors to Consider When Working With Parents/Carers Who Have Mental Health Difficulties  2006
Chapter 27a of the ?Looked After Children Manual? outlines the areas to be addressed regarding the welfare of the parent and child. [UK]
Available via: Web
Cambridgeshire County Council
Web:http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/94EE657B-F1DE-4C7A-8D25-79835D95A376/0/Chapter27.pdf

Glimpses  2009
Glimpses. A compilation of uncensored real life experiences with Mental Illness. Updated and distributed quarterly in an electronic format, Glimpses provides a unique insight into the life of those living with a mental illness. People in their late teens or early 20's are encouraged to contribute with their stories. Contact Nicci Wall - Mental Health Advocate Email: forwalls@xi.com.au for details.
Available via: Email
Email: forwalls@xi.com.au
Web:http://www.mmha.org.au/information/news-items/glimpses/

Interactive Use of Genograms and Ecomaps and Genograms  
This article argues for the concurrent and comparative use of genograms and ecomaps in family caregiving research.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.researchgate.net/publication/5670819_Interactive_use_of_genograms_and_ecomaps_in_family_caregiving_research

Living with Personality Disorder - Supporting Better Parenting.  2010
The full report from this thought provoking and interactive study day in London and the one that preceded it in Leeds (March 2009).

Packed with lively and informative write-ups from the sessions that comprised these events, this report is a useful tool for anyone working and/or living in the world of personality disorders who would like to increase their understanding of these complex disorders and ways of working to support people both as parents, with what is ?no longer a diagnosis of exclusion?, and as children living with a parent with PD.

Available via: Web
Parental Mental Health and Child Welfare Network
Web:http://www.pmhcwn.org.uk/newsitems/living.asp

Mental Health Inpatient Service Family Friendly Checklist  
This checklist was developed in consultation with Australian Infant Child Adolescent Family Mental Health Association (AICAFMHA) and consumers and their families and service providers. [Australia]
Available via: Web
COPMI
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/download.html#checklist

Parents with severe mental illness and their children: The need for human services integration  1994
Presents findings and recommendations of the New York State Task Force On Mentally Ill Parents with Young Children, an interagency task force to help consumers and professionals identify the needs of such parents. Based on public testimony from consumers, providers, and advocates as well as mentally ill parents and their children, the task force concluded that this is a neglected public policy issue requiring an intergovernmental, services integration approach. [US]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.springerlink.com/content/l2736483l1l11282/

Serving the children of parents with a mental illness: Barriers, break-throughs and benefits  2001
This paper describes what has been learnt within the ?Children in Families Affected by Mental Illness? project in South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service in regard to introducing a systematic approach in adult mental health services to children where parents have a mental illness. It looks at the barriers encountered, the strategies required to overcome them; and mechanisms to incorporate children's issues into the routine practice of adult mental health services. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.aicafmha.net.au/conferences/brisbane2001/papers/dean_c.htm

Support and Family Education ? What We Tell Our Children and Other People About Mental Illness  
US Department of Veterans Affairs outline for workshop on discussing mental illness. Also includes lists of resources for young children and adolescents. [US]
Available via: Web
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Web:http://www.ouhsc.edu/Safeprogram/17Kids.pdf

Think child, think family: How adult specialist services can support children at-risk of abuse and neglect.  2009
Article on how adult specialist services can support children at risk of abuse and neglect. [Australia]
Available via: Journal
Australian Institute of Family Studies

Why Draw Genograms Anyway?  
Genograms are an efficient way to obtain a history, can be used to promote therapist empathy and understanding. [US]
Available via: Web
Washburn University, Department of Social Work
Web:http://www.washburn.edu/main/sas/social-work/FORMS/Genograms_70.pdf

Workforce capacity to respond to children whose parents have a mental illness  2006
The first of the three objectives of this study was to identify the core barriers that impede adult mental health and other clinicians from working with consumers about parenting and child-related issues. The second and third objectives were to rate the importance of these barriers and to compare barriers for adult mental health workers with other workers. [Australia]
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a769157239

Working together with families and carers: Chief Psychiatrist's Guideline  2005
The purpose of this Guideline is to provide AMHS with a framework in which to:
- develop clinical practice standards
- consider issues relevant to working with families and carers
- establish expectations of mental health service clinicians in working with families and carers
- clarify legislative and confidentiality provisions [Australia]
Available via: Web
Department of Human Services, Victoria
Web:http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/cpg/families.htm