Chief Psychiatrist's guideline: Working together with families and carers
The Chief Psychiatrist's guideline: Working together with families and carers recognises the vital support that carers provide and assists services to better respond to families and carers in the delivery of mental health services. It covers all programs (child and adolescent, youth, adult, aged and forensic) and all settings (inpatient, community, residential and speciality services), in line with the Mental Health Act 2014.
The guideline explores five key messages:
- Families and carers should be recognised, respected and supported as partners in providing support and care to consumers.
- Families and carers should be identified and engaged as soon as possible in assessment, treatment, care and recovery.
- Services must have clear processes and practices that support open communication with consumers, families and carers regarding information sharing, privacy and confidentiality.
- Services are required to have regard for the impact of mental illness on family members and to assist families and carers to identify their needs, including in relation to the caring role.
- Families and carers should be engaged in organisational practice and governance.
Download the guideline from the Department of Health website.