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Practice paper
What is infant mental health, why is it important, and how can it be supported?
Dr Kristel Alla and Dr Trina Hinkley (AIFS)All infants experience mental health, and infancy is a critical time for children to build strong confidence and security in their environment, so that they can develop positive emotional, social, physical and mental health. This paper produced by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) aim to raise awareness in practitioners who work with infants and/or their caregivers and ways to support parents and caregivers when early signs of problems appear if their infant is struggling with their mental health. -
Webinar
Webinar | What is infant and child mental health and why is it important for all practitioners to think about it
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsThis webinar featured Brad Morgan, Emerging Minds’ Director, and Helen Francis, Emerging Minds’ National to Local Manager, who described how Emerging Minds works across sectors to identify effective practice, and to support practice development that improves the early identification and prevention of child mental health issues. -
In focus
In focus: What is infant and child mental health (and why is it important)?
Emerging MindsPractitioners 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. -
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. -
Webinar
Supporting non-offending parents after child sexual abuse
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA) this webinar outlines some strategies that you can use to support non-offending parents following a child's disclosure of sexual abuse. -
Short article
Why meaningful participation for children in out-of-home care is essential
Joanna Schwarzman, Kristel Alla and Hilary Miller, Australian Institute of Family StudiesThis short article outlines why engaging in meaningful participation with children in out-of-home care is central to supporting their wellbeing and respecting their right to participate. -
Short article
Early Years Strategy 2024–2034: An overview
Kylie Butler, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)This short article provides information on the Early Years Strategy 2024–2034, including the key values and aims, how it was developed, and what this might mean for practitioners and professionals working with children aged 0–5 years and their families. -
Webinar
Working with children who are experiencing or engaging in bullying behaviour
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), this webinar explores the impact of childhood bullying, how it affects mental health, the importance of prevention and early intervention, children’s perspectives on bullying, and strategies to work with children experiencing bullying or engaging in bullying behaviour. -
Webinar
Supporting families to navigate tough times: The impact of financial and housing insecurity, isolation and discrimination
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), this webinar introduces practitioners to a new collection of resources from Emerging Minds that has been created by families who have got through tough times. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: November 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis November 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.