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Fact sheet
Out-of-home care: Talking about mental illness with children in your care
Emerging MindsTalking to the children in your care about their parent's mental illness can help them make meaning of their family's situation, remove stigma and let them know they can talk to you when they need support. -
Research paper
Characteristics of promising Indigenous out-of-home care programs and services
Jenny R. Higgins and Nikki ButlerAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to suffer the intergenerational effects of past welfare practices including the forced removal of their children and dislocation from their communities, country and culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders also experience higher levels of poverty and social disadvantage than non-Indigenous Australians. The combined effects of past practices and current disadvantages present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with extreme challenges in supporting families to ensure children stay safe and are cared for appropriately. -
Practice paper
Engaging with parents who have children in out-of-home care: Key considerations
Mary Salveron, Nicole Paterson, and Rhys Price-RobertsonEngaging with parents or caregivers who have children living in out-of-home care can be daunting for practitioners who do not have much experience with child protection services. This resource outlines some of the key considerations for engaging with such parents, and encourages you to reflect on the relevance of these issues to your own practice. -
Families Podcast
Looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children in out-of-home care
Meryl KlimczakRuntime00:26:15Released19/5/23 -
Practitioners Podcast
Therapeutic residential care: The example of Jo’s
Paula MayRuntime00:31:15Released5/12/19 -
Short article
The impact of parental incarceration on child behaviour and development
Dr Mandy Truong, Australian Institute of Family StudiesThis short article provides an overview of the research evidence on the impacts of parental incarceration on child behaviour and development with a focus on children aged 12 years and under. It outlines the ways in which parental incarceration can impact child outcomes and provides some practice considerations for how practitioners and services can support children. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: April 2025
Prepared by AIFSThis April 2025 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
Responding to childhood suicidal ideation through understanding and curiosity
Amanda Kemperman, Emerging MindsChildren, even at a very young age, can experience significant distress and despair that may lead them to think about suicide. This practice paper highlights the importance of listening and striving to understand children's thoughts, ideas and perspectives on the challenges they face. -
Webinar
How to use neurodivergent-affirming strategies to support child mental health
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), join our panel of speakers as they explore how neurodivergent-affirming practice strategies support the mental health of autistic and ADHDer children. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: March 2025
Prepared by AIFSThis March 2025 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
Understanding and supporting parental reflective confidence
Nicole RollbuschAll parents reflect on the needs of their children. But time, opportunity or confidence to do this is limited for some parents. Practitioners can play a vital role in supporting parents to strengthen their reflective confidence. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: February 2025
Prepared by AIFSThis February 2025 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.