The KOPING Kit is intended to assist families to identify needs and improve access to support.

Step 1: Identify Family or Individual Support Needs

Working with the family/individual – use the following prompts to identify areas that families or individuals may require support.
1. Support and information for children and young people whose parent or carer has a mental health problem ❑
2. Support and information for parents or carers who have a mental health problem ❑
3. Support and information for partners, family or friends ❑
4. Respite and lifestyle support - a break for family members or for the person with a mental health problem ❑
5. Education, information or support in parenting ❑
6. General family support or practical support ❑
7. Other useful resources ❑
8. Recommended websites and suggested reading ❑
Step 2: Identification of Support Options
Using the Koping Kit, identify relevant services or resources that are available in the Brisbane North area to meet the
identified needs of the family or individual.
Step 3: Referral
Contact the relevant organisation or service provider to determine if they are the most appropriate service for the family or
individual. Referrers also need to determine if the service has the capacity to provide an adequate level of support to the
family or individual.
Information regarding families or individuals is not to be released and referrals are not to be made to services without
permission, except where there is concern regarding the safety or care of family members.
Documentation:
Service providers are advised to make relevant notes in service files.

The KOPING Program

Working together to support children and young people in families where a parent or
caregiver is living with a mental health problem
The KOPING Forum is an interagency network in the RCH, RBWH, TPCH and Health Service Districts made up of
representatives from Government services, private providers, community agencies and community members;
The KOPING Kit is a referral kit to assist adults, children and service providers to access appropriate services;
The KOPING Library is a dedicated library that stocks resources relevant to the area (brochures, storybooks, references,
videos), loans free of charge;
The KOPING Video is a resource developed in consultation with children, young people and adult children affected by
parental mental illness and tells the stories of 4 young people and their families;
The KOPING Adolescent Program is a 3 session peer support program for 12-18 year olds affected by parental mental
illness. It is free, fun, confidential, transport available;
The Family Safety Plan (and Baby Safety Plan) are aimed at minimizing the disruption that occurs when a parent is
hospitalized. It can be used when the parent or caregiver is well and the information can be shared with those providing
support. It specifies emergency care options, custodial restrictions, medical requirements/medications etc, school/daycare
contacts, children’s routines and needs etc. Copies of the Family Safety Plan can be downloaded from the Queensland Health
Website www. health.qld.gov.au, the Brisbane North Division of General Practice website www.bndgp.org.au or via the
COPMI website. You can also contact the KOPING Program Co-ordinator on 07 3355 8999.
Disclaimer: Although every effort was made at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained herein, it is recognised that service details frequently change and therefore no
responsibility is taken for changes or omissions. In addition, the KOPING Forum and the Royal Children’s
Hospital & Health Service District Child & Youth Mental Health Service takes no responsibility for the way
THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
in which this kit is used. Quality of service provision is the responsibility of individual service providers
and inclusion in this publication is not necessarily an endorsement by the Forum or CYMHS.
FOUNDATION QUEENSLAND
May 2006
 SUPPORT OPTIONS &
1. Support & information for children and young people
whose parent or carer has a mental health problem
Specific Support Programs
KOPING Adolescent Program.........................................☎ 3355 8999
Contact the Koping Program Co-ordinator
Peer support and psycho-education program for young people (12 – 18 years)
who have a parent with a mental health problem. Program held each school term.
KOPING Library............................................................☎ 3355 8999
Located at 289 Wardell Street, ENOGGERA 4051
Collection of books, videos, information sheets, group manuals and general
resources available for loan by children, young people, families and service
providers. Complete a registration form at the Library before borrowing
resources. Contact KOPING Co-ordinator for more information.
Young Carer Counselling Program - Carers Qld. ........ ☎ 1800 242 636
Telephone, face-to-face counselling and group programs for young people aged
26 yrs and under, who support or care for a family member or friend with a
disability, mental illness or other long term illness.
Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre................ ☎ 1800 059 059
Counselling, home & school support, recreation for carers aged up to 25 years old.
Centacare. ...................................................................☎ 3250 4305
Counselling for children and young people aged 5 yrs and up for issues including
family break down, home and school relationships, emotional well being.
Kidz Club. ....................................................................☎ 3840 8650
Mater CYMHS Day Program, Mater Children’s Hospital
Supportive and educative group for primary school-aged children who have a
parent or relative living with a diagnosed mental illness.
Child & Youth Mental Health Service Community Clinics
................................................................. North West ☎ 3335 8888
................................................................. Pine Rivers ☎ 3817 6380
................................................................. Nundah ☎ 3266 3377 mental illness. Information and Support Line for carers.
Future Families................................... ☎ 3355 8999
Mental health services for children 0-18 years. For areas outside of Brisbane
North, see White Pages under “Health”.
CYMHS Extended Hours Service....................................☎ 3636 9027
After hours mental health assessment, support and information for children,
young people, and their families/carers.
Other Programs
Kids Helpline. ......................................................... ☎ 1800 55 1800
Telephone counselling and support.
School Based Youth Health Nurse Program....................☎ 3863 3347
Brisbane North
State High School based support & referral to services for young people.
Guidance Officer – Education QLD
Individual and group counselling for students in state schools. Contact school
for details.
Mental Illness Education – Queensland. .........................☎ 5473 9090
A school based mental illness education program – schools liaise with the
program to arrange guest speakers and presentations.
Youth and Family Support Service.................................☎ 3239 3292
Support for young people aged 6-17 yrs at risk and their families – home visits
or community settings. Quick response teams and short term intensive case
work. 7 days – 10am to 12 midnight.
Jabiru Community Youth & Children’s Services. .............☎ 3269 0044
Information, counselling and referral for young people and/or parents.
Community Connections................................................☎ 3266 5199
Support and counselling for young people aged 12-18 who have left home or
who are at risk of homelessness and/or leaving school.
Youth Advocacy Centre..................................................☎ 3857 1155
Legal and welfare agency for youth under the age of 17 yrs.
Project Circuit Breaker..................................................☎ 3621 4000
Early intervention and prevention service supporting families with young people
(10-16 yrs) who are experiencing conflict.
Community Child Health Service
See White Pages under “Health” for local services.
Support and education to assist families with children aged 0-18 yrs.
Department of Child Safety See White Pages for local services.
Notification of children in relation to abuse or neglect. Can advise or refer to
support services.
Crisis Care...................................................................... ☎ 1800 177 135
24 hours.
2. Support & Information for parents or carers who have
a mental health problem
Adult Mental Health Services
See White Pages under “Health-Community Mental Health” for local services.
Intake, assessment, treatment & case management services for adults with a mental illness.
Mental Health Association of QLD. ................................☎ 3271 5544
Information, education and referral to support groups for children, young people
and adults with a mental health problem.
Schizophrenia Fellowship. ............................................☎ 3358 4424
Support groups, education (videos & books) & camps for adults who have a mental illness.
Lifeline.......................................................................... ☎ 13 11 14
Telephone counselling, crisis support, information & referral. 7 days – 24 hours.
Open Minds..................................................................☎ 3891 3711
Supporting people who have a psychiatric, neurological and/or mild intellectual
disability to live independently.
Parents Yes Program – Brisbane Youth Service. ..............☎ 3254 2955
Parenting, living skills, practical support for young pregnant and parenting
people experiencing social and emotional health issues.
3. Support & information for partners, family or friends
ARAFMI. ............................................. ☎ 3254 1881 or 1800 35 1881
(Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill)
Local support groups. 24 hour telephone phone support. Resource library and
information. Information about accessing respite.
Carers Queensland.............................. ☎ 3421 5900 or 1800 242 636
Information, community development, support service and advocacy.
Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre..................... ☎ 1800 242 636
Support, information and resources for carers, including carers of people with a
KOPING Library............................................................☎ 3355 8999
289 Wardell Street, Enoggera.
Collection of books, videos, information sheets, and general resources available
for loan by children, young people, families and service providers. Complete a
registration form at the Library before borrowing resources. Contact KOPING
Project Officer for more information.
Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre................ ☎ 1800 059 059
Counselling, home & school support, recreation for carers aged up to 25 years old.
4. Respite and/or lifestyle support
Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre................ ☎ 1800 059 059
Information about local childcare for family members and carers.
Child Care Information Service............. ☎ 3224 4225 or 1800 637 711
Information about local childcare & family day care, before & after school care.
Department of Child Safety See White Pages for local services.
Child protection agency. Can refer to respite services.
Coolibah Family Support...............................................☎ 3857 0377
Respite accommodation and lifestyle support for adults with a mental illness.
St. Mary’s Support and Accommodation.........................☎ 3870 1767
“Time Out” program for women under 25.
Pine Rivers Community Care Unit..................................☎ 3881 6500
Supported accommodation and respite for adults with a mental illness.
QUALTime....................................................................☎ 3633 0177
Respite, community access and in home support.
Schizophrenia Fellowship. ............................................☎ 3358 4424
Regular camps and holidays for adults with a mental illness.
Sommerset Villas Community Care Unit.........................☎ 3857 9222
Respite and supported accommodation for adults with a mental illness.
KUI - Lifestyle support..................................................☎ 3254 2499
Non clinical support, community access & activities. Can include children & family.
Richmond Fellowship. ..................................................☎ 3257 7988
Teaching and assisting people to live independently.
Open Minds – Lifestyle Support Service..........................☎ 3891 3711
Supporting people who have a psychiatric, neurological &/or mild intellectual disability.
Open Minds – Employment Service. ...............................☎ 3891 3755
Employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Nundah House..............................................................☎ 3260 5657
Support, advocacy, education, social activities & support groups for people with a
mental illness.
& PROGRAM DETAILS
5. Education, information or support in parenting
Community Child Health Service See White Pages for local services.
Support and education for parents and families. Early childhood nurses.
‘Triple P’ Parenting Program.
Child Health Line.... ☎ 3862 2333 or 1800 177 279 (Outside Brisbane Metro)
Information and support for parents regarding health issues for children 0-18 yrs.
Young Parents Program . ..............................................☎ 3357 9944
Support for young pregnant & parenting women 19 yrs & under.
Parentline................................................................ ☎ 1300 30 1300
Telephone counselling service for parents & primary caregivers 7 days 8am-10pm.
Riverton Early Parenting Centre ....................................☎ 3862 2333
Residential early parenting centre, assists parents/carers of children 0-2 yrs.
Future Families Program Contact CYMHS Community Clinics
Support for parents to develop secure relationships with their babies & young children.
AMEND ......................................................................☎ 3421 2845
Support for women who are parenting (children up to 18) or pregnant, in their
home environment, to assist with substance abuse issues (including co-morbid
mental health problems).
Alina Families Program ...............................................☎ 3260 6243
Parenting information & support for parents with an intellectual or learning disability.
6. General family support & practical support
Youth and Family Support Service ................................☎ 3239 3292
Support for young people at risk and their families – home visits or community
settings. Quick response teams and short term intensive case work. 7 days
– 10am to 12 midnight.
Department of Child Safety See White Pages for local services.
Child protection agency. Can refer to home-based support services.
Centacare . ..................................................................☎ 3250 4305
Counselling & relationship education for families, couples, individuals & children.
Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre ...............................☎ 3205 2955
Family support program, parent aid, counselling and education.
Community Qld Inc ......................................................☎ 3510 2700
Family support, groups, courses & counselling depending on individual or family needs.
St. Mary’s Support and Accommodation ........................☎ 3870 1767
Support & accommodation services for women under 25 yrs pregnant or parenting.
Hills Wesleyan Family Support Service .........................☎ 3353 0796
Counselling service for families, support groups. Follow up care & support. Not crises.
Mon-Thurs, 9-4.30pm.
Learning for Life ..........................................................☎ 3257 1311
The Smith Family provides individual support.
Parentline................................................................ ☎ 1300 30 1300
Telephone counselling service for parents & primary caregivers 7 days 8am-10pm
Project Circuit Breaker..................................................☎ 3621 4000
Early intervention and prevention service supporting families with young people
(10-16 yrs) who are experiencing conflict.
Bluecare – Unicare.......................................................☎ 3369 8577
Disability support service providing services to people with a disability and their
families.
Kinections....................................................................☎ 3435 4300
Relationship and family counselling.
Mercy Family Service...................................................☎ 3865 7456
Accommodation for children - in care.
7. Vocation & Training
Mission Australia Family Support...........................................3630 5688
Support in finding Employment.
8. Other Useful Resources
Mental Health Promotion ................................................... ☎ 3624 1111
Central Public Health Unit Network
Support and education for service providers who are supporting children and
young people who are at risk.
Multicultural Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing...... ☎ 3891 7911
Mental health workers to assist people from a number of culturally diverse
backgrounds.
Qld Transcultural Mental Health Services Centre ............. ☎ 3240 2833
Bilingual mental health consultants, multilingual information, clinical support,
education and training.
Hot House – Youth Alcohol & Drug Counselling.................. ☎ 3263 0871
Counselling for young people (under 25yrs) concerned about their own alcohol
and/or other drug use.
Alcohol & Drug Information Service....... ☎ 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833
24 hour information and counselling.
ADAWS – South Brisbane..................................................... ☎ 3840 8400
Adolescent, Drug & Alcohol Withdrawal service. 13 - 18 years.
Email: 2adaws@mater.org.au
9. Recommended Websites & Suggested Reading
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent & Family Mental Health
Association (AICAFMHA)......................................www.aicafmha.net.au
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness................www.copmi.net.au
(COPMI) National Resource Centre
Children of Mentally Ill Consumers (COMIC)...www.howstat.com/comic/
Itsallright – SANE Australia...................................... www.itsallright.org
A site for children and young people. Read the diaries of 4 fictional teenagers
who live in families affected by mental illness.
Champs Worldwide....................................www.champsworldwide.com
Helping children & families better understand mental illness.
Head Room......................................................... www.headroom.net.au
Supporting positive mental health of children, adolescents and adults.
Reach Out.............................................................www.reachout.com.au
Helpful information for young people about a wide range of general health &
mental health issues.
Suggested Reading for Service Providers
• Principles and Actions for Services and People Working with
Children of Parents with Mental Illness
– Guidelines for services and workers
• “Family Talk” & “The Best For Me and My Baby”
– Psychoeducative resources explaining concepts and issues
about mental illness and the impact on children and family life
Books for Primary School Aged Children
• Jake’s Dinosaurs
• Robby Rose and Monkey
• Can I Catch It Like A Cold
• Helicopter Man
• You’re Not Alone – A SANE Guide to Mental Illness for Children
Books for Adolescents
• Joe’s Diary
• The Illustrated Mum
• Saving Francesca
• Understanding Mental Illness –
For teens who care about someone with a mental illness
Other
• Hidden Victims, Hidden Healers
• Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
• When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness
• Family Work for Schizophrenia
• Children Caring for Parents with Mental Illness
• Children of Parents with a Mental Illness 2 –
Personal and Clinical Perspectives