Families Where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI)
Funded by the Victorian Department of Health
Supporting families where a parent has mental health concerns.
The Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI) program supports families where a parent has mental health concerns.
FaPMI Coordinators and FaPMI Community Workers for Children and Young People (FaPMI CYP Workers) work within Adult Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services to promote and support family-inclusive practice.
They do this by strengthening organisational practice, building workforce capability, providing support and referrals for children and young people, allocating brokerage to support the wellbeing and community participation of children, young people and families, and through partnership with local networks.
Statewide coordination provided by the Bouverie Centre
The program is coordinated statewide by a team based at the Bouverie Centre. Statewide program coordination includes:
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Governance and oversight in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health
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Strategic leadership and statewide system coordination
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Resources to support statewide workforce capability in family-inclusive practice
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Leadership of research, quality, and evidence‑informed practice
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Communication, knowledge sharing, and integration, including with program partners
What does the FaPMI program do in Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services?
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Provides family-inclusive workforce education, training, implementation and consultation
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Promotes service identification and response to the needs of parents with mental health concerns, their children and their families
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Identifies support needs and local support options for children, young people, young carers, parents and families
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Establishes collaborative partnerships with external organisations and service providers to promote referral pathways and peer support group program delivery
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Provides resources for parents, children, young people, and families
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Coordinates peer support and other activities for children, young people, parents and families
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Manages brokerage funds
Evidence‑Informed Practice Models
The FaPMI program has identified two practice models that enhance clinical practice to improve outcomes for families:
A strengths‑based, structured conversation that supports clinicians to:
- Explore the impact of parental mental illness on children
- Identify family strengths and protective factors
- Enhance parent understanding of children’s needs
- Support early intervention and shared planning
Let’s Talk can be flexibly integrated into standard clinical appointments.
Let’s Talk training is offered by Emerging Minds.
A planned, structured family session that:
- Improves communication and shared understanding
- Supports children’s mental health literacy
- Identifies practical strategies and shared goals
- Strengthens family relationships within a single session
SSFC offers meaningful family engagement within brief intervention contexts.
SSFC professional development is offered by the Bouverie Centre
Peer Support programs for children and young people
Nearly one in four Victorian children live with a parent experiencing mental illness, often with limited opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.
FaPMI‑supported peer programs provide safe, age‑appropriate groups that:
- Promote connection with others and reduce isolation and stigma
- Support wellbeing and self‑care strategies
Programs
- CHAMPS – Children aged 8–12
- Space4Us – Young people aged 13–18
Programs are provided at no cost to families.
Referral and program availability can be confirmed through your local Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service FaPMI Team.
Peer Support Facilitator Training
FaPMI offers facilitator training for professionals who would like to deliver peer support programs for children and young people.
Recommended for:
Mental health clinicians, peer workers, and community support workers who work with families where a parent has mental health concerns.
3‑Day Training Overview
- Day 1: An introduction to CHAMPS & Space4Us peer groups (online)
- Day 2: Experiential day to learn and practice CHAMPS & Space4Us activities (in-person)
- Day 3: Consolidation of learning and planning for implementation (online)
Cost: $120 (incl. GST) at time of writing.
Peer Support Programs for Children, Young People, Parents and Families
Peer support programs provide safe and supportive spaces to:
- Connect with others who understand their experiences
- Learn about mental illness and mental health in an age‑appropriate way
- Build self‑care and wellbeing strategies
- Have fun in a supportive group environment
Local programs may include CHAMPS, Space4Us, social groups such as Kids Club, school holiday activities, and Family Fun Days. There is no cost to attend these group programs or activities.
Your local FaPMI program or community services may also run family or parent groups.
Program formats and availability vary by location. Speak with your mental health team or contact your local FaPMI Team to find out what programs are running in your area.
FaPMI Peer Support Programs
“I liked everything… I learned I am not alone and there’s other people like me.”
— Child participant, 11 years
CHAMPS is a group program for children aged 8 to 12 who have a parent or other family member with mental health concerns.
Some CHAMPS groups offer a concurrent peer support group for parents and carers, offering an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations.
Space4Us is designed for young people aged 13 to 18 who have a parent or other family member with mental health concerns.
The program provides a supportive space for young people to build social connections, support practical self-care and wellbeing strategies, and to identify other support options available in their local community.
FaPMI Brokerage
The Victorian Government provides brokerage funding to Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services to support the wellbeing of families where a parent has mental health concerns.
Brokerage aims to:
- Provide opportunity for children, young people and their families to participate in local community activities and access local supports
- Provide activities and resources to strengthen or maintain wellbeing and healthy family relationships
- Address immediate financial needs that are not met by other funding programs
Families connected with AMHWS may be eligible for FaPMI brokerage. Families can ask their mental health clinician about access.
Funding approval depends on the identified family need and brokerage budgeting considerations.