Resources for Parents with a Mental Illness and their Support People
Book/s
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
Review available from:
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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/
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
The Illustrated Mother 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
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 website includes Quick Find Service List, Pathways to Parenthood in book, CD and braille formats, as well as Resource Guides on Planning for Pregnancy, equipment and adapted aides for pregnancy, support and information for early years (8-10 years), advocacy services, etc.
Available via: Web
NSW Network of Women with Disability and the Pathways to Parenthood Project Team
40 Albion Street, NSW, Australia Harris Park 2150 1800 629 072
Email: women@mdaa.org.au
Web:http://www.femability.org.au/parenting_with_disability.htm
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/
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
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/
Menatal Health Care
mentalhealthcare.org.uk has been created by the Institute of Psychiatry ? a teaching and research organisation that is part of King?s 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 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/
Multicultural Mental Health Australia Website
A national leader in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities the MMHA's objective is to provide consumers, carers and mental health professionals with the latest information on resources, services, research, conferences and events relating to multicultural mental health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mmha.org.au/
Parenting 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 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/
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
Helpline/s
CARERS AUSTRALIA
Free Call 1800 242 636 for a contact in your State
Available via: Phone
1800 242 636
Web:http://www.carersaustralia.com.au
Just Ask - LIFELINE
Just ask is Lifeline's rural mental health information service. It's an Australia-wide service provided by Lifeline South Coast. It provides information and referral for people with mental health problems, and to friends, relatives and others who want to know how to help. information is provided about relevant local services, as well as books and web sites. Self-help information sheets on a range of areas are available from their website.
Available via: Phone
1300 131 114
Email: justask@lifeline.org.au
Web:http://www.justask.org.au/
LIFELINE
Lifeline's 13 11 14 service is staffed by trained volunteer telephone counsellors who are ready to take calls 24-hour a day, any day of the week from anywhere in Australia. These volunteers operate from Lifeline Centres in every State and Territory around Australia. Lifeline telephone counsellors are ready to talk and listen no matter how big or how small the problem might seem. They are trained to offer emotional support in times of crisis or when callers may be feeling down.
Available via: Phone
131 114
Parentline
PARENTLINE is a telephone information service available in the following states:
ACT - 02 6287 3833
NSW - 1300 1300 52, Karitane Care Line - 1300 227 464, Tresillian Care Line - 1800 637 357
QLD & NT - 1300 30 1300
TAS - 1800 808 178
VIC - 13 22 89
WA - 08 6279 1200 (Metro) 1800 654 432 (STD)
SA - 1300 364 100
Available via: Phone
SANE HELPLINE
Established in 1998, the SANE Helpline provides information about symptoms, treatments, medications, where to go for support and help for carers.
Available via: Phone
1800 18 SANE (7263)
Web:http://www.sane.org
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
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
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
Factsheet/Pamphlets
Can a Depressed Parent be a Good Parent ? You Bet!
This is a downloadable pamphlet.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.experiencejournal.com/depression/pdfs/goodparent.pdf
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
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
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
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 PROJECTS and 'Challenging
Stigma and Discrimination'.
Copies of the DVD can also be purchased for
$5. Contact us at NSW CAG on 9332 0200 or ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Availabile via: Web
NSW CAG - New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group
02 9332 0200
Email: ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/members/nswcag/index.htm
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/
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
W.A. Child Care Plan
A Western Australian version of the COMIC package is available from the WA Office of Mental Health website.
Available via: Web
WA Office of Mental Health
Web:http://www.mental.health.wa.gov.au/one/aboutus_resources.asp
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