With the introduction of NDIS, the role of parents and family, has become critical to achieve the best possible outcomes for children living with disability across Australia. Despite this, support for parent mental health is limited. Many express symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, that are left undiagnosed and untreated.
Supporting mental health of families as part of a wholistic approach, is a key factor to enabling parents and children to be safe, happy, and healthy contributors to their community. However new funding models and a move toward participant-focused funding, has left families feeling unsupported.
A survey of parents and providers found that parents, regardless of their child’s age or diagnosis, struggle to maintain positive mental health. Although over 70% stated they were concerned about their mental health, only 8% had ever sought professional advice. The survey found providers lacked confidence to raise wellbeing with families and did not have the skills or training to recognise when a family was reaching crisis. Providers believe this is a consequence of changing funding structures, increased time pressures and high staff turnover.
Families are experiencing higher levels of responsibility and expectation than ever before, but providers lack the capacity to respond. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of virtual service delivery has exacerbated this further.
To be their best and achieve the best possible outcomes, families need knowledge, confidence and support. This presentation will provide useful insight into building positive, impactful partnerships with parents to improve the lives of young people living with disability.