Mental health and drug education

Emerging Minds develops a range of resources, tools and information for professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, parents and families. As an organisation, we strive to ensure these resources are informed by First Nations peoples and grounded in the principles of self-determination. In practice, this means we work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants and organisations in genuine, culturally secure partnerships. Together, we develop resources that build the capacity of all professionals and organisations who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Despite the importance of parental mental health, many parents can’t or don’t have access to supports to help them navigate the rough waters of mental illness. This short article discusses the 2016 Parenting Today in Victoria study by the Parenting Research Centre which provides insights into the support needs of Victorian parents.

Estimates of the prevalence of parental mental illness vary, but Australian research has found that up to one in four children are being raised by a parent with mental illness. Using data from the Parenting Today in Victoria study, this article explores how a parent's mental health relates to their parenting, finding that while parents with poor mental health are somewhat less likely to use positive parenting strategies, parental mental ill-health does not necessarily lead to poor parenting. With the right support at the right time, parents can help their children thrive.