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Practice paper
Engaging with parents when there are child protection concerns: Key considerations
Teresa Hall, Rhys Price-Robertson and Ruby AwramWhen a family has child protection concerns, or is in contact with child protection services, effective parental engagement can be particularly challenging. This resource outlines some of the key considerations for engaging with parents in such circumstances. -
Short article
How can the Australian child protection system better help children who experience cumulative harm?
Rosemary SheehanThis short article has been adapted from a paper recently published in Child and Family Social Work: ‘Cumulative harm in the child protection system: The Australian context’ (https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12621). The paper was based on a systematic literature review of how ‘cumulative harm’ is understood and operationalised within current Australian child protection legislation, policy and practice. -
Guide
Shining a light on good practice in NSW: Stories from child protection and out of home care
NSW Government Family & Community ServicesThey are such different stories but they have one common feature – hardworking, courageous, compassionate and skilled people who have changed lives. We know there is a lot about our system that we need to fix. This report reminds us of so much that is working and does not need fixing. It also reminds us that our people, and the relationships they form, are the very best asset we have to offer vulnerable families. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: October 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis October 2024 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Practice paper
Wellbeing for workers supporting children and families after a disaster
Emerging MindsThis resource focuses on how to look after your own wellbeing as a practitioner or worker when supporting children and families after a disaster. -
Practice paper
Play and creative expression
Emerging MindsThis resource demonstrates the importance of encouraging play and creative expression to help children unpack, explore and process difficult experiences like disaster. Creative expression is encouraged as a way for children to communicate about complex emotions and feelings, especially when they might be difficult to articulate verbally -
Practice paper
Support networks
Emerging MindsIn addition to the support of extended family, friends and the learning community, responses from governments and specialist mental health services plus digital resources are important to the successful recovery of children and families after a disaster. -
Practice paper
Routines and predictability
Emerging MindsRe-establishing routines and setting boundaries and expectations are important for restoring children's sense of stability and safety after a disaster, especially when they have to spend time away from their parents or home. -
Practice paper
Emotional regulation
Emerging MindsThis resource explains the importance of connection, emotional literacy and environment in helping children feel safe, and how regulation can be achieved through the body using sensory- and movement-based exercises, along with fun, relaxing and mindfulness activities. -
Practice paper
Child–adult relationships
Emerging MindsFollowing a disaster it's common for children to experience increased separation anxiety. This resources explores how parents can help children to develop safe relationships with other caring adults. -
Practice paper
Communication and meaning-making
Emerging MindsThis resource offers strategies to support children in making sense of their experiences and process their feelings to help reduce distress, and prevent trauma and mental health difficulties. -
Practice paper
Practices for supporting infant and child mental health after disasters
Emerging MindsThis paper provides practice guidance for addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of disasters on infant and child mental health using multifaceted approaches that promote resilience and mental health recovery.