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New Support for Child Carers of the Mentally Ill
Children who are carers for mentally ill parents, and their families, will benefit
from the launch of a new package of resources for educators and counsellors produced by
a joint project between the community organisation COMIC (Children Of Mentally Ill Consumers)
and DECS (the Department of Education and Children’s Services).
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The package of materials (including CD, book and curriculum based materials) were launched by the
Minister for Education and Children’s Services, Hon. Trish White MP, at Seaford 6-12 Community Library
at 10.30am on Friday 17 October 2003.
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Australian surveys have found that between 29% and 35% of mental health services clients are female
parents of dependant children under the age of 18. In 1995 a research survey estimated from census
data and incidence rates that at least 27,000 Australian children were affected by maternal psychotic
illness alone.
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1998 ABS figures identified more than 181,000 young carers (under 18 years of age) in Australia, of which
approximately 5,900 were primary carers (the main provider of care and support to their family member or
friend). It is estimated that one quarter of young carers provide care for someone with a mental illness.
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Young primary carers are at significant risk of leaving school early. Only 4% of young primary carers aged
15-25yrs are still at school compared to 23% for the general population in this age group.
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The DECS/COMIC project/package complements work occurring at the national level by groups including beyond
blue and the national COPMI (Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness) initiative and provides strong
support for assisting students to remain at school and achieve success. This will further support the work
being done by DECS within its social inclusion strategies and also in raising the attendance and retention
figures of students at school.
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COMIC was formed in February 2000 and has already won awards for its work. Paola Mason co-chair of COMIC
lobbies for, and represents the interests of, young carers on state and federal government and non-government
committees.
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Downloads
School Launch Powerpoint Presentation
COMIC/DECS Teacher's Sheet
COMIC Curriculum
COMIC CD Inside Cover
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