Mums and Dads

Parents who experience mental illness and and their Children

It is estimated that 50% of people who use mental health services are also parents, yet many of the social and health support systems have evolved in a way that ignores their parental role.

A few examples?

• residential services where only adults can stay
• initial information collection that doesn't ask about children or parenting responsibilities,
• no family friendly visiting places in hospital.

In addition to the challenges associated with parenting, such as housing, employment, financial constraints, transport and childcare, consumers who are parents also face discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness. There is the fear that their children may be removed from their care, isolation and services that are not inclusive of the family. Parents have reported feeling marginalised and invisible to mental health services.

Kites has now produced an information pack that contains information sheets for parents and the agencies involved with them and their children. There is also a kids plan for parents and children to fill in together. This kids plan can be used to identify who the children can stay with, contact numbers and how needs can be met in a way that assists parents who live with mental illness to plan ahead for themselves and their children should they need hospitalisation.If you would like one of these packs email admin   "at" kites.org.nz

The book ..Mums and Dads .. features twelve parents with experience of mental illness sharing their stories. This book is designed to encourage and inspire others who experience mental illness. Copies of Mums and Dads may be obtained by emailing info   "at" mhc.govt.nz or telephone (04) 474 8900