Mental+Health


 * __ KIDSMATTER PRIMARY INITIATIVE __**

KidsMatter Primary is a mental health initiative for Australian primary schools. Through the implemention of KidsMatter Primary, or through the use of resources that are associated with the initiative, primary school students are taught social and emotional skills such as managing their emotions, making and keeping friends, and being able to cope with change (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). This is of importance because teaching social skills has long been considered a critical factor for all students, but particularly those with additional needs (Conway, 2008, p. 227).

The implementation of KidsMatter Primary is through a whole-school, planned and coordinated process (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). It uses a framework that consists of four components: a positive school community, social and emotional learning for students, parenting and support education, and early intervention for students experiencing mental health difficulties.

Expected outcomes from implementing KidsMatter Primary include: improved mental health and wellbeing of primary school age students, reduced mental health problems amongst students, and greater support for students experiencing mental health difficulties (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). KidsMatter can also be used for pre-primary school age children through the KidsMatter Early Childhood initiative.

A range of resources are available to schools that formally implement the KidsMatter initiative. These include posters, information sheets, mental health resource packs on relevant topics related to children, e-newsletters, and the [|KidsMatter Primary website]. The website provides an extensive range of information and resources on children’s mental health and development topics which can be used by schools that have implemented the initiative, but are also available to anyone wanting evidence-based information on such topics (Cavanagh, 2009, p. 35). Of particular interest are resources on understanding the mental health needs of children with disabilities, and suggestions for teachers of students with additional needs such as ADHD and autism spectrum condition. There is also a Programs Guide which details mental health and well-being programs that can be used to address the KidsMatter Primary components. Schools can use the guide to select programs that will be most suitable for the needs of their students.

The usefulness of KidsMatter Primary as a teaching resource is demonstrated by evidence that found KidsMatter Primary has had positive outcomes for children, school staff, parents and carers (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). Improvements to student mental health and well-being include “increased optimism and coping skills, and reduced mental health difficulties such as emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, conduct and peer problems” (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). As a result of implementing the program more teachers felt effective in dealing with issues surrounding the mental health of students, such as identifying students experiencing social and emotional difficulties (Trinder, Roberts, & Cavanagh, 2009, p. 24). This is of particular importance to students with disabilities because they are at significantly greater risk of developing mental health problems than students without a disability (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). An evaluationof KidsMatter has found that the initiative has had a positive effect on students with a disability by strengthening their wellbeing and reducing mental health difficulties (Dix, Shearer, Slee & Butcher 2010).

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References

Cavanagh, B. F. (2009, June ). KidsMatter national expansion: A partnership between education and health. //InPsych: The Bulletin of the Australian Psychological Society Ltd, 31//(3), 35. Retrieved July 01, 2011 from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy1.canberra.edu.au/fullText;dn=756318970708831;res=IELHSS

Commonwealth of Australia. (n.d.). //KidsMatter Primary Evaluation//. Retrieved July 01, 2011, from KidsMatter Primary : http://www.kidsmatterprimary.edu.au/evaluation/

Commonwealth of Australia. (n.d.). //KidsMatter Primary FAQs//. Retrieved July 01, 2011, from KidsMatter Primary: http://www.kidsmatterprimary.edu.au/faqs/

Commonwealth of Australia. (n.d.). //KidsMatter Primary Overview Booklet.// Retrieved July 01, 2011, from KidsMatter Primary: http://www.kidsmatterprimary.edu.au/uploads/2009/10/kidsmatter-overview-2009.pdf

Commonwealth of Australia. (n.d.). //KidsMatter Primary Overview: KidsMatter Framework//. Retrieved July 01, 2011, from KidsMatter Primary: http://www.kidsmatterprimary.edu.au/kidsmatter-overview/framework/

Conway, R. (2008). Encouraging positive interactions. In P. Foreman (Ed.), //Inclusion in action// (2nd ed., pp. 199-244). South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Cengage Learning.

Dix, K., Shearer. J, Slee. P, & Butcher. C. (2010). //KidsMatter for students with a disability: Evaluation report.//Flinders University, Ministerial Advisory Committee: Students with Disabilities: The Centre for Analysis of Educational Futures. South Australia: Ministerial Advisory Committee: Students with Disabilities. Retrieved July 01, 2011, from http://www.macswd.sa.gov.au/files/links/KidsMatter_for_Students_wi.pdf

Trinder, M., Roberts, B., & Cavanagh, S. (2009, December). Impressive evaluation results lead to significant expansion of KidsMatter. //In-Psych: The Bulletin of the Australian Psychological Society Ltd, 31//(6), 22-24. Retrieved July 01, 2011, from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy1.canberra.edu.au/fullText;dn=201001371;res=APAFT