Mental illness support for carers of children and adolescents
Carers
A child is often cared for by another person or family members other than their immediate parents. Caring is often short term for children whose parents are unable to care for them on a full time basis. Sometimes, young people in care can come from complicated family situations and carers have great responsibility in ensuring they are able to provide a safe, secure and loving environment.
A range of local and national services are available to help and support carers.
Young carers
- Young Carers WA (external site) are dedicated to improving the lives of young carers in Australia, they provide information, advice, events and more to assist young carers in the day to day demands of being a carer.
Parents
Raising a child with a mental illness can be challenging even for the most experienced parents.
The links below provide information to help parents understand what their child may be going through and how they can help. Support services are also available for parents struggling to cope.
Same-sex parents
- Gay Dads Australia (external site) is a resource specifically for gay men who are fathers, or who want to have children.
- The National LGBTI Health Alliance (external site) is a national organisation promoting the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. The website also links to LGBTI services in each state and territory that provide advice and support to same-sex parents.
Where to get help
- See your doctor or contact your local community CAMHS service
- The CAMHS Crisis Connect (external site) provides phone and online videocall support for children and young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as support and advice to families and carers. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1800 048 636.
- In an emergency attend an emergency department or call 000
Last reviewed: 02-11-2021
Acknowledgements
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.