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Foundations Early childhood is a critical window for people’s social and emotional development and this has important implications for health and learning outcomes later in life.
Resilience and mental health can be promoted by establishing positive relationships and environments in early childhood and by responding to the needs of children and families who face particular challenges. Children’s services staff play an important role in supporting children’s development and wellbeing.
Foundations is a magazine-style professional development resource distributed to children's services staff in the Hunter, Mudgee and Taree areas. It provides theory and practical ideas, as well as interviews and suggestions from local practitioners.
Foundations is produced by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health in partnership with local early childhood services and staff. The initiative is funded by Xstrata Coal through its Corporate Social Involvement program.
For more information or to provide us with feedback, please contact Senior Project Officer Ellen Newman at Ellen.Newman@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4924 6941. If you are interested in writing an article for Foundations please see attached Foundations Style Guide for 2012.
You can download each issue of Foundations, or selected articles, by choosing from the links below.
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) provide information for family members across Australia where a parent has a mental illness and for people who care for and work with them. The overall aim of the Australian COPMI initiative is to promote better mental health outcomes for children (0 - 18 years) of parents with a mental health problem or disorder.
KidsMatter Early Childhood
KidsMatter Early Childhood is an Australian mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative specifically developed for Australian preschools and long day care services. It is being trialled in 110 early childhood services around Australia in 2010-2011. It aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children birth to school age, reduce mental health problems among children and achieve greater support for children experiencing mental health difficulties and their families. The project is being developed by Early Childhood Australia, beyondblue, the Australian Psychological Society and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Response Ability Response Ability is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. It aims to promote the social and emotional wellbeing, or mental health, of children and young people. The Response Ability team supports the pre-service training of school teachers and early childhood staff, about mental health issues in children and young people, by:
The project is implemented by Hunter Institute of Mental Health in partnership with tertiary educators throughout Australia.
Early Childhood Australia
As a peak national non-profit, non-partisan early childhood organisation in the country, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) acts in the interest of children, as well as for those who make their careers in the early childhood sector. ECA advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years. As a leading early childhood publisher, ECA aims to identify and promote best practice in early childhood.
Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network
The website of the Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network (ACATLGN) is for everyone involved in the care of children / youth and interested in the potential impact of trauma, loss and grief experiences. The website contains key resources covering the spectrum of trauma, loss and grief experiences for children and adolescents. You can become a member of the network for free and this offers the opportunity for professionals to network with others in this area as well as receive regular newsletters and updates.
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
SNAICC is the national peak body in Australia representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. SNAICC’s work includes policy and advocacy and developing resource for services working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. SNAICC operates from a membership base of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled children’s and families’ services across the country.
SNAICC Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse collects and shares practical materials such as activities, management tools and information sheets etc from across the country to assist in the day-to-day running of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and family services. Children's services staff can browse categories by subject or use the search tool.
Raising Children Network
Raisingchildren.net.au provides parents and professionals with reliable, scientifically validated resources to support them in the work of raising children and looking after their own needs. Regularly updated, the site covers a broad range of up-to-date topics for raising children from newborns to teens. The website includes credible parenting information, opportunities to connect through a national network of support and services, a wide range of innovative features, and lots more.
Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to creating a happier society by making positive changes in their personal lives, homes, workplaces and communities. www.actionforhappiness.org. |
