dual diagnosis support kit
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when a person is affected by both mental illness and substance misuse.
DoCS has developed the Dual Diagnosis Support Kit to helpworkers and families where there is parental dual diagnosis. The books and resources in the kit are intended to help workers, carers and parents introduce the issues of parental dual diagnosis and explore concerns that children or family members may have. It provides positive strategies for coping with dual diagnosis, as well as contacts for help and support.
These resources are not intended to replace the professional assessment or health care provided by qualified health professionals. Always seek assistance from your local health care provider when required.
Caseworkers may choose to work through the resources with families, or leave the materials so that parents, carers and children can discuss the issues themselves.
resources
- caseworkers: a booklet containing an introduction to dual diagnosis and its possible impacts on parenting. It explains how substance misuse can impact on different mental health conditions and gives some helpful tips for talking with families about parental dual diagnosis
- parents: a booklet with advice for parents with dual diagnosis. This booklet has useful tips on how dual diagnosis can affect your ability to parent, the way it affects children and things that you can do to help your children. It also includes information on foster care and support services
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children:
- The Blue Polar Bear (2MB PDF) - an illustrated storybook for 5-7 year olds
- The Flying Dream (2MB PDF) - an illustrated book for 8-12 year olds
- foster carers: this booklet contains information for foster carers who look after children whose parents have dual diagnosis. It includes useful tips on how to talk to children about dual diagnosis, how it affects children and is designed to help you in your role as a carer
- young people: a wallet card for adolescents who have parents with dual diagnosis – includes information on what is dual diagnosis, what happens when mum or dad go to hospital and foster care as well as practical tips on how to take care of yourself
The Dual Diagnosis Support Kit was developed by DoCS and the Mental Health Coordinating Council through the National Illicit Drug Strategy, which is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services.
