‘One of a Kind’ the first of its kind for young people

The Australian-first children’s book has been developed by mental health experts for young people in foster or kinship care.

Driven by The Alfred’s Mental and Addiction Health service, in collaboration with Monash Health and OzChild, One of a Kind aims to explain parental mental illness and support children to better understand their situation. 

With the involvement of specialists in mental health, the book has been written and illustrated in a child-focused way and designed to fill a gap in resources.

“One of a Kind tells the story of children Darcy and Oliver, whose parents have a mental health condition, as they search for answers as to why they don’t live with mum and dad,” said Alice Morgan, Families Where a Parent Has Mental Illness Coordinator at The Alfred.

“The book explores complex issues in a safe, understanding, and compassionate way and will help children better understand mental health and support conversations about their experiences.”

The Alfred’s Director of Operations, Mental and Addiction Health, A/Prof Sandra Keppich-Arnold, said that increasing awareness of the impact of parental mental illness on children was a focus for clinical specialists driving this work.

"Research tells us that having a parent with mental illness can have complex and long-term impacts on the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of children - particularly around their sense of security and attachment," A/Prof Keppich-Arnold said.

"Supporting young people to feel seen and heard in their family situation with a book like this means we empower them to forge their own sense of identify and understanding, which can result in significantly better outcomes for them moving into adulthood."

Authored by Linda Espie and illustrated by Gwyneth Jones, the book is designed to be read by a foster carer or support worker, with the young person.

To view the book, click here.  

The Families Where a Parent Has Mental Illness program is a state-wide service aiming to reduce the impact of parental mental illness on all family members.