What is the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) initiative?
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative aims to promote understanding of child and adolescent trauma, loss and grief. Under the initiative, the Australian Government funds the Australian National University to provide and promote an effective high quality resource and information network for service providers, frontline professionals, parents and the broader community to reduce the mental health risks faced by children and adolescents experiencing trauma, loss or grief.
Responsibility for the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative rests with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Why is this important?
The mental health and wellbeing of Australian children is an important concern of the Australian Government. Research has shown that many mental health problems among adults have their origins in childhood. A child in good mental health is more likely to have good prospects in later life, performing better in education, employment and the development of relationships.
Who benefits?
The goal of the network is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children who have experienced trauma, loss or grief by offering:
- professionals and community workers providing services for children and adolescents;
- professionals and administrators involved in research, policy, education, and training;
- and parents and other caregivers and interested members of the community.
The ACATLGN website links with other organisations, provides up-to-date information and resources including multimedia resources of podcasts and videos, has a number of tip sheets about topical issues, and is free to join. Members have the option of participating in the online forum and members’ directory.
What is the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative delivering?
The Australian National University is funded to promote, maintain and evaluate the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network: a web based network, with content that is informed by a panel of experts in areas related to trauma, loss and grief in children and adolescents.
How does it work?
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network website has a number of resource hubs addressing specialised topic areas that have been developed in collaboration and partnership with key stakeholders. The resource hubs provide key resources to help understand and respond to the diverse and complex needs of children, adolescents and their families.
Other resources available through the website include a newsletter, multimedia resources, tip sheets, speaker series, links to other relevant organisations, and the opportunity to join as a network friend or member.
What funding is attached to this program?
$28.1 million was provided over five years (2006-2011) to the Early Intervention Services for Parents, Children and Young People measure. The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative is one of the key components of this measure.
The Australian National University is being funded for $654,000 (GST inclusive) to continue work in 2011-2012 to deliver the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative.
When did the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative start?
The Australian Government has funded the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative since 2007.
How is the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network initiative progressing?
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network has developed a range of specialised resource hubs including:
- Disasters and mass adversities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities
- Early childhood and schools
- Mental health and primary care
- Trauma resources
- Grief and loss resources
- Abuse, neglect and violence
- Medical trauma and injuries
- Family and carer resources
- Research and evaluation
Resources for professionals and the public in each of these areas can be found on the website.
What’s been done in the past?
The Australian National University was initially funded over three years to establish and maintain the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network website. The website was officially launched on 11 September 2008.
Further information
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network website can be found at: http://www.earlytraumagrief.anu.edu.au.
Page currency, Latest update: 15 July, 2011