COPMI (The Children of Parents with a Mental Illness national initiative) Information

Over a million Australian children have at least one parent with a mental illness. These children may face many challenges. A range of factors associated with families where a parent experiences mental illness can have a negative impact on a child’s development and wellbeing. The COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative, run by Emerging Minds, develops information for parents, their family and friends in support of these children and young people. The information is complemented by online training courses developed by COPMI for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs. This COPMI website is the primary way our information is accessed. We also work with health care providers, community support groups, educators, service organisations and the media. Our information is designed to foster better mental health outcomes for children of parents with a mental illness, reduce stigma associated with parental mental illness and help friends, family and workers in a range of settings identify and respond to the needs of the children and their families where parental mental illness exists. COPMI resources are developed under the guidance of people who share the experience of living in families where parental mental illness is a part of family life, and of leading researchers and service providers in the mental health field. The Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) national initiative is funded by the Australian Government.