AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
Brief overview of the Children of Parents Affected by a Mental Illness Project
Background
The Mental Health Promotion and Prevention National Action Plan was established in January 1999 under the Second National Mental Health Plan: 1998-2003 and identified several areas requiring attention with regard to children whose parent(s) has a mental illness. These included researching effective community based interventions, evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of prevention initiatives and developing positive outcomes for these children including improved support, improved mental health, better knowledge and understanding of parental illness and improved parenting by parents.
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association (AICAFMHA) was commissioned by the National Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Working Party (PPWP) and funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Mental Health Branch, to carry out this investigation. The Project Brief was as follows:
To undertake a project that will identify current major State and Territory evidence-based initiatives in relation to how each jurisdiction is addressing the needs of children of parents with a mental illness, and future plans for work in this area. It is expected that the project will result in a report that outlines major activities, identifies gaps and makes recommendations regarding future work and action in this area. Activities will include:
- Gathering information from, and consultation with, State and Territory Mental Health Branches on key projects and services for children of parents with a mental illness in their jurisdiction and any future plans they have for work in this area
- Analysis and reporting of project findings, including the evidence base of current activities, their availability and sustainability and recommendations for future action
This project commenced in August 1999, and was substantially completed by February 2000. Subsequent to further discussion with the commissioning body, the final report was submitted in August 2000
Project Design
Information was gathered via a number of strategies.
1. Consultation with the project reference group which included representatives from all States, and further individual consultations with other State and Territory contacts as developed through networking of the project.
2. Consultation with professional and consumer groups when opportunities arose.
3. Wide distribution of a questionnaire seeking information as required by the project brief.
Results
The final version of the project was submitted to the Commonwealth in August 2000.
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