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In focus
In focus: Infant and toddler mental health
Emerging MindsIt's imperative for practitioners to understand infants' and toddlers' vulnerabilities, in order to identify those children experiencing problems and provide early intervention. This article explores the development stages for children from birth to three years, risk factors in infant and toddler mental health and resources to support early intervention and anticipatory guidance. -
Toolkit
Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children toolkit
Emerging MindsThis toolkit draws from the expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants, practitioners, non-Indigenous practitioners and Aboriginal and non-Indigenous organisations. Rather than focusing on why it is difficult to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities, it will explore how non-Indigenous practitioners and services can develop genuine connections with First Nations people and communities to create the best conditions for effective service delivery; services based on respect, learning and creating shared understandings. -
Practice paper
Complex trauma through a trauma-informed lens: Supporting the wellbeing of infants and young children
Michele Hervatin, Parenting Research CentreThis resource introduces complex trauma and trauma-informed care, including their importance in supporting the wellbeing and mental health of infants and young children. It explores the possible effects of complex trauma in early childhood (i.e. birth through to five years), and aims to support professionals to use a ‘whole-child’ approach that considers how early life experiences (including trauma) may shape development and behaviour. -
Practice paper
Recognising and strengthening the stories of children in care
Nicole Rollbusch and Dan MossThis paper identifies practical ways professionals working with children who are in care can bring children’s histories to life in ways that support their sense of identity and confidence, even when children’s experiences with their birth families included trauma or neglect. -
Fact sheet
What type of programs improve the mental health outcomes of children in out-of-home care?
Hilary Miller and Kristel Alla, Australian Institute of Family StudiesExplore the most common types of programs that aim to improve mental health outcomes for children in out-of-home care (OOHC) and the evidence for overall program types -
Short article
Supporting children with disability in out-of-home care (OOHC)
Hilary Miller, Mandy Truong and Kristel Alla, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)This resource provides an overview of the over-representation of children with disability in out-of-home care (OOHC) in Australia. It may be relevant for people working in child protection, including care workers, social and youth workers, mental health professionals, and disability, health and allied health practitioners. -
Short article
What factors predict long-term mental health for children in out-of-home care?
Catherine WadeThis short article summarises a recent paper which examines how key child and family characteristics predict long-term mental health for children in out-of-home care. -
Short article
How fathers’ warm and responsive parenting can support child mental health
Melissa Willoughby (AIFS), Cat Strawa (AIFS), Vincent Mancini (Telethon Kids Institute, UWA and The Fathering Project) & Hilary Miller (AIFS)This resource will explore the evidence on how fathers can positively influence their child’s mental health through warm and responsive parenting. -
Short article
How fathers can support child mental health through setting limits and managing behaviour
Melissa Willoughby (AIFS), Cat Strawa (AIFS) & Vincent Mancini (Telethon Kids Institute, UWA and The Fathering Project)This resource outlines how fathers’ approaches to setting limits and managing behaviour can affect child mental health. It also provides considerations for practitioners to support effective practice with fathers and other caregivers. -
Guide
How fathers’ positive engagement and caregiving can support child mental health
Melissa Willoughby (AIFS), Cat Strawa (AIFS) & Vincent Mancini (Telethon Kids Institute, UWA and The Fathering Project)This resource explores the evidence on how fathers can influence their child’s mental health and wellbeing through positively engaging with, and caring for, their child. -
Guide
How fathers can positively influence children’s mental health through play
Melissa Willoughby (AIFS), Mandy Truong (AIFS), Cat Strawa (AIFS) & Vincent Mancini (Telethon Kids Institute, UWA and The Fathering Project)This resource outlines how practitioners can support positive child development and mental health by encouraging child–father play. -
Fact sheet
Supporting children when you’re struggling with money
Emerging MindsNot having enough money can make parenting more challenging. Here are some ways of getting your family through those tough financial times.