AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
COPMI Project Update - 20/09/2002
Discussion Document
Thanks for those of you who have already provided feedback on the COPMI Discussion Document. Please circulate it far and wide but remember to advise people that feedback is due by the 25th of October 2002. Please download the flyer regarding telephone feedback-line for those wishing to provide verbal feedback about the COPMI Discussion Document if you are able to advertise it to consumers and/or carers. Don't forget we have a newsletter item about the Discussion Document that you can also download.
Resource List - teacher reviews wanted!
I have updated the Resource List again, thanks to new information provided by COMIC, Erica Pitman and Nickolas Yu. The list simply records resources which people in Australia have advised us they recommend to families and/or use in programs for young people and families where a parent has a mental illness. We have not been able, nor do we intend to evaluate all the resources. They are simply listed as a reference for others who may be looking for resource materials in the area.
A National Consultation Group member in the Education Sector has asked if we are aware of any reviews undertaken by teachers or people who work in schools (eg guidance staff) regarding any of the materials listed. If you are a teacher/school based worker who has reviewed/used any of the materials, I'd be delighted if you could provide a simple written review of the material for your peers. Please get in touch with me soon. Thanks.
Consumer/Carer Update
Paola, the consumer/carer representative on the COPMI Project Team has written an update for readers information.
Resource Material Development
The COPMI Project Team and Reference Group put together a list of proposed materials for development after gathering information about resource materials used in Australia by services working with families where a parent has a mental illness, and gaining feedback from a range of people about what else was required. Following very constructive discussions with representatives from the Mental Health Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, the following five resource areas have today been approved for development:
For workers who provide services to parents with a mental illness, their children and other
family members:
Development of a COPMI site within the AICAFMHA website containing specific information in
response to the needs of the different target groups (eg child protection workers, early
childhood workers, G.Ps, counsellors and paediatricians).
Promotional materials re the website which also contain key COPMI messages.
For adults with a mental illness who have children under 3 years, or who are currently pregnant
or are considering parenthood.
A booklet to
1) provide adults with a mental illness who are currently pregnant, are considering
having children or who currently have a baby or toddler with information to inform their
decision making and encourage joint planning with service providers and/or partners, other
family members or support people.
2) provide parents of children under 3 years with information
to assist them to identify their strengths in meeting the parenting needs of their young child
and to identify areas where they may require support,
3) provide parents of babies or toddlers or intending parents with suggestions regarding where
and how to access support,
4) increase awareness of relevant issues and possible supports amongst
providers of health services to the target group.
For children aged 8-10 and 10-12 years
Promotional material (to be determined with target group from a range of possible options
eg posters, postcards, stickers, notebooks, water bottles) to convey key messages (eg you
don't cause mental illness in your parent, you are not alone, where to seek help).
For Young People aged 13-18
Promotional materials (to be determined with the target group) to convey key relevant mental
health promotion messages and information regarding where to seek help.
For families of children aged 3-18 where a parent has a mental illness
A pamphlet which will provide families with information about their rights, identification of
their strengths and needs and information about where they might seek support.
Groups and individuals interested in assisting in the development and/or piloting of these resources will be sought in the coming weeks. However, please feel free to contact me directly if you wish to be involved. All assistance welcome!
Pamphlets re the COPMI project
If you are holding a forum or attending a workshop, meeting or conference which will be attended by people who may be interested in the COPMI project (carers, consumers and/or service providers) and you would like to help promote awareness of our project, please contact me and I'll be happy to send you a bundle of pamphlets - just let me know how many you'd like.
Elizabeth Fudge
Project Manager,
COPMI Initiative
Ph (08) 8161 6859
Fax (08) 81616983
fudgee@wch.sa.gov.au
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