Discover more resources
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Webinar
Engaging with parents and infants in the first thousand days
Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)This webinar features a facilitated interdisciplinary panel discussion of a case study. The panel includes Dr Nick Kowalenko (psychiatrist), Mandy Seyfang (OT/Infant mental health therapist) and Jonathon Main (Relationships Australia). Dan Moss, Emerging Minds’ Workforce Development Manager facilitates the discussion. -
Short article
Developing a mental health literacy model and measurement scale for children
Justine Bale and Christine GrovéMental health literacy refers to knowledge and beliefs about mental health that seek to promote recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems for oneself and others. In an Australian context, research has shown that mental health difficulties can be evident in children as early as four years of age, with early markers of mental health challenges seen in infants and toddlers. This short article explores the study aimed to develop a mental health literacy model for children aged 8 to 12 years which can guide those working in child mental health services to create intervention programs that are best suited to the specific needs of younger children. -
Video
Mental Health in Primary School Aged Children
TESThis UK video designed for primary school educators explores mental illness in primary school aged students. It looks at some of the common emotional and behavioural issues and how teachers can spot the early warning signs in these students. -
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. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: September 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis September 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
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.