The aim of the Families where a Parent has a mental illness (FaPMI) Strategy is to reduce the impact of parental mental illness on all family members, especially dependent children. This is achieved through organisational development and training activities conducted with a range of services across South West Victoria. Services may include mental health, early years, schools, community health, children’s and family services, Aboriginal health services, disability and alcohol and other drug services.
The FaPMI Coordinator provides services to practitioners working in organisations that support families where a parent has a mental illness. Key work includes delivering training, developing policies, improving collaboration between services, establishing peer support groups, working with young carers and providing books and other resources specifically created for families where a parent has a mental illness.
Parenting is never easy; however there are a wide range of programs, resources and information sources available to support families where a parent has a mental illness.