Workforce Development Framework

Emerging Minds, Australia

Related to Child and family, Child mental health, Child participation, Children's rights, Infant mental health, Perinatal infant mental health, Prevention and early intervention

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Keeping child mental health in mind: A workforce development framework for supporting infants, children and parents

This document outlines the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health’s (NWC) strategy to support health, social and community professionals in identifying, assessing and supporting infants and children who are at risk of, or currently experiencing, mental health difficulties.

The Framework focuses on prevention and early intervention and is built upon needs assessments conducted with practitioners.

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Podcast

How can a national workforce approach support children’s social and emotional wellbeing?

Emerging Minds

In this episode, we sit down with the Director of the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, Brad Morgan, to discuss why supporting the mental health of children under 12 years is so important. Brad is trained as an occupational therapist and brings with him a wealth of wisdom and experience, having previously led the Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) initiative. Tune in to learn why the mental health of children often flies under the radar and the approach that the National Workforce Centre is taking to support practitioners and other professionals to strengthen children’s mental health.
Book

National practice standards for the mental health workforce

Commonwealth Department of Health

'These standards outline capabilities that all mental health professionals should achieve in their work. They are intended to complement discipline-specific practice standards or competencies of the professions of nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology and social work.' - The Commonwealth Department of Health
Short article

Child mental health literacy: What is it and why is it important?

Lucy Tully

Over the past 20 years, Australia has emerged as a leader in campaigns that have focused on increasing mental health literacy, particularly for adult/adolescent depression and anxiety disorders. But what about child mental health literacy, which refers to adult knowledge and beliefs about mental health problems for children under 12 years of age? Aside from the recent work of the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health (NWCCMH) and beyondblue's Be You initiative, there has been a noticeable lack of focus on child mental health literacy both in Australia and internationally.
Short article

Programs that support the mental health and wellbeing of children with incarcerated parents

Beth Thomas-Richards, Australian Institute of Family Studies

This article provides an overview of the types of programs available to support the mental health and wellbeing of children with incarcerated parents. It also outlines considerations for practitioners working with children requiring support.
Webinar

Wellbeing for workers supporting children and families after a disaster webinar

Child Family Community Australia & Emerging Minds

Co-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA) will explore how to support workers who engage with children and families during and after disasters or severe weather events. It is intended for both managers and frontline practitioners.
Research summary

Highlights in child mental health research: May 2025

Prepared by AIFS

The May 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 that presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided.
Guide

Mindframe: A guide for reporting on child and youth suicide

Everymind

This resource, developed by Everymind, has been developed to provide guidance on developing safe and sensitive public communications about child and youth suicide.
Webinar

What are infants telling us: From neonatal nursery care to supporting optimal infant development

Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)

Co-produced with the Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN), you'll hear from our multidisciplinary panel who explore the emotional and developmental impacts of preterm birth, highlight the importance of observing and responding to infant cues, and outline practical strategies to strengthen early relationships and support preterm infants' neurodevelopment and mental health in their first year.
Webinar

Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation: A case scenario

Child Family Community Australia & Emerging Minds

Co-presented with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), this webinar uses a case scenario to reflect on ethical considerations and practical strategies to help practitioners better understand and support children experiencing suicidal ideation. The panellists will also discuss how practitioners can foster connection, seek the child’s insights, and recognise the strengths of the child and their family.
Short article

The impact of parental incarceration on child behaviour and development

Dr Mandy Truong, Australian Institute of Family Studies

This 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 AIFS

This 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 Minds

Children, 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.

Workforce Development Framework

Emerging Minds, Australia

Discover more resources

How can a national workforce approach support children’s social and emotional wellbeing?

National practice standards for the mental health workforce

Child mental health literacy: What is it and why is it important?

Programs that support the mental health and wellbeing of children with incarcerated parents

Wellbeing for workers supporting children and families after a disaster webinar

Highlights in child mental health research: May 2025

Mindframe: A guide for reporting on child and youth suicide

What are infants telling us: From neonatal nursery care to supporting optimal infant development

Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation: A case scenario

The impact of parental incarceration on child behaviour and development

Highlights in child mental health research: April 2025

Responding to childhood suicidal ideation through understanding and curiosity

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