Short articles

To evaluate the effectiveness of the PERCS guides, a pilot study was conducted with six practitioners across five services which work with adults in the context of problematic substance use.

This study aimed to understand the contribution the PERCS conversation guides made to practitioners’ work with fathers who were using violence and mothers who were experiencing violence.

Children are not immune to the effects of uncertainty. While research has shown they can recognise and respond to uncertainty from as young as 20 months old, children need support and guidance from the adults in their lives to help them to understand and cope with change and uncertainty. This article outlines six simple, easy ways in which parents can help their child to navigate uncertain times.

This case study reviews Emerging Minds’ use of family participation (that is, the involvement of more than one member from a family, for example a mother and daughter) to advance the practices of co-design and co-delivery. It illustrates the value of family participation, explores the process, and highlights key learnings.

Surveys show that most children know about climate change and are worried about its impact on their future. This short article addresses children's emotional responses to climate change and how professionals and parents can respond to children's concerns by supporting children's emotional wellbeing.

Mental 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.

Practitioners are in a unique position to provide support to parents and help plan for children's social and emotional development and mental health at the earliest possible stage. This resource aims to develop your knowledge about what is child mental health and how practitioners and health workers in both child and adult services can create opportunities for positive child mental health.

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.

This short article is based on the paper: Norwood, M. F., Lakhani, A., Fullagar, S., Maujean, A., Downes, M., Byrne, J. … Kendall, E. (2019). A narrative and systematic review of the behavioural, cognitive and emotional effects of passive nature exposure on young people: Evidence for prescribing change. Landscape and Urban Planning.

Research conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) investigated the experiences and needs of children and young people whose parents had separated and had accessed family law system services. This short article outlines key characteristics of effective professional practice, according to the children and young people who participated in this research. Participants were asked to reflect on their post-separation experiences and their families’ engagement with family law system services.

Studies have shown a difference in the rates of mental illness between Australians living in urban versus rural areas, but the majority have focused on adults. This study aims to begin to fill this research gap by investigating three broad domains that are thought to impact children’s mental health: their families, their community, and individual factors.

Physical activity offers a range of benefits for children, including mental health. This literature review study explored the association between physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents and whether physical activity can be considered ‘causal’ in producing any effects on mental health.