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    "result": {"data":{"sanityArticle":{"title":"Child Protection: Helpful information for parents ","_type":"article","datePublished":"14 February 2022","header":{"background":null,"headline":"Child Protection: Helpful information for parents","text":[{"_key":"d1e78d145a71","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9539088974350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s normal for new parents to have concerns about what might happen when they reach out for help. Talking to PANDA about your mental health and any issues at home is being a protective parent. We can help you access the support you and your baby need."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-d7d8265b93aeae0031e16fba848ea0fe73045542-2400x1596-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"baby bathing"}},"content":[{"_key":"d25f5fa9b2be","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a12e40e003140","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Many new parents downplay mental health issues for fear of unwanted outcomes when they reach out for help. Some fear having their baby placed into care by child protective services if they tell anyone they’re not coping at home or they are experiencing family violence and fear for their own and their baby’s safety. Not telling anyone what’s happening and trying to manage everything by yourself can make the situation even more difficult to handle, and often increases the risk to you and your baby. Acknowledging you need help (and telling someone) doesn’t mean you are an unsafe or ‘bad’ parent."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"906d0156c434","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e17f0a17bf59","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Seeking mental health help and/or family violence support early is being a safe and protective parent."},{"_key":"9723caf5c54d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" You’re being the best possible parent you can be for your baby by taking the necessary steps to feel better and keep yourself and your baby safe. PANDA is here to help you to care for yourself and your baby in ways that feel supportive, safe, and aligned with your personal parenting values."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5ab0350cf5cb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a30d0a4d2a0b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Hiding or downplaying symptoms of emotional and mental health distress or concerns about family violence can prevent you from accessing the help you need to look after your wellbeing and family’s safety. Feelings of isolation and stress can increase if nobody knows what’s really happening for you. Minimising what you’re experiencing can also get in the way of parenting the way you’d hoped to do."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"238262fb1c5e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"159a7d751371","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","sidebarPosts":[{"title":"Wellbeing and self care","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"wellbeing-and-self-care"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-31544bad9e7c38876638fe53c51e77cf89d91356-2500x1800-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Mum holding baby up and kissing on the cheek"},"text":[{"_key":"6a7cc988da75","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a6fceda6aee2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Self-care tips for expecting and new parents"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"Mental health safe plans: Looking after yourself and your loved ones ","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"mental-health-safe-plans-looking-after-yourself-and-your-loved-ones"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-44b1c552b4ddca5cc1fb896d9fe21b7e93524796-2500x2000-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"mum admiring her sleeping baby"},"text":[{"_key":"94343f14dcae","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cb95de9afb220","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"24/7 mental health supports are available. Learn about mental health safe plans you can use day or night."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"modules":[{"_key":"867c3fd4a98f","_type":"faqBlock","include":null,"title":"Common questions","noNumbers":true,"text":[{"_key":"2d92e514e733","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bc5bfe4f620c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You may have questions about what happens when you call PANDA to tell us how you’re feeling."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"questions":[{"question":[{"_key":"9c3734aebc50","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e79e4a32bca80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA is committed to ensuring the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of you, your baby and your family."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"5f0b722684e2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dfefe36b0a5b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We take our obligation to protect you and your baby - and keep you safe - very seriously. We always listen to your needs and thoughts on what might be helpful. We believe you’re the expert on your own life, and we know that you’re doing your best to keep yourself and your baby safe. Sometimes new parents need some extra mental health and parenting support. We’re here to work with you and figure out what the best supports are for your family."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"83ff02bc51a8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"19323dddabce","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sometimes, families need extra support like parenting support, relationship and family violence services or child protection. Any decision to contact child protection for a family we’re supporting on our Helpline is made with utmost care and caution."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d1c2c81dd9ab","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"00686afabd6e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We’re dedicated to client-centred and trauma-informed care on our Helpline."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5d4e08c1c5d9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6efdc93829fc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This approach to mental health support means you and your baby’s wellbeing are at the heart of every call, including any decisions regarding your safety and care needs."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"bbf273c665a6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6d96edda44c5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Is it common to worry about Child Protection involvement when talking to health professionals?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"673c88835846","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"725aca8065c10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We speak to thousands of new parents every year on the PANDA Helpline who are experiencing difficult emotions having scary thoughts or experiencing family violence."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3aa55eb03a5b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"718fbf515edb","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Often, our callers feel they’re failing at parenting by not meeting their own expectations of themselves as parents. They worry that if they tell us what’s happening at home, PANDA will call child protection and safety services. Some parents who call us are already linked in with intensive family support or child protection services. Feelings such as shame, fear or even despair can build up and feel hard to control, and difficult to share with someone else."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"694e171c83b4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7c4b2b63d867","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some of our callers express intense fear that if they speak up about these experiences, a report to child protective services will be made automatically. Often, there can also be negative associations with protective services contributing to feelings of fear and uncertainty about speaking up. This may be due to multi-generational trauma in families who have had previous experiences within historic welfare systems."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e3d48cdfd1cb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3cd577c01864","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In particular, our callers who come from a migrant and refugee background and have a history of trauma, and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander callers who have Stolen Generation trauma in their family frequently express fears about their children being removed from their care."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e329de2e82f8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a4a0ea53956c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Callers often tell us they have fears about child safety and protective service involvement with their family. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a867317f868f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e7ede35e5c4c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"They tell us things like:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4e81a6eec93a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3f525c2b4e9a0","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"“I’ve been having these awful thoughts lately, but I’m scared to tell you what they are.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"230219571f95","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7f41689875110","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"“I don’t want anyone to think I’d actually hurt myself or my baby. I’m worried they’ll take my baby away if I say anything.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"303dcea05dcd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9c3377ffab5a0","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"“I don’t want anyone to think I’m a bad person, especially my partner or someone like my GP.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"816b9e52573b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ffad6fa7712b0","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"\"I don’t want them to break our family up. He’s a really good dad most of the "},{"_key":"c5cebd371d20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"time."},{"_key":"6fd6fb5698c0","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"\""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cacfddaa3fff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9a9482da9d160","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"“If I contact child protection about my concerns, I’m worried what my family’s reaction will be.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f0a2a65608a3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9391188bb2e20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e0d988fb4f24","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ab3a8aa8237a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We know from what we hear on the PANDA Helpline that people think babies being placed into care by protective services is much more common than it is."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9fecc8480976","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a7501237bf3d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Experiencing changes to your mental health, like symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression, having a mental health diagnosis, or not coping with daily life and parenting, "},{"_key":"0b0571f02721","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"does not make you an unfit parent."},{"_key":"c03580006690","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" It just means you need some extra support, something common to everyone at some point in their parenting journey."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c2dea181060e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"93d0cd170d3d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s normal for new parents to have difficulty adjusting to change during the perinatal period. It’s also common for new parents to experience mental health issues. Having a hard time with the transition to parenthood does not make someone a bad or unsafe parent. It makes you human."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"54de1289a2e6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fd84742f0d030","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You and your baby deserve help, love, kindness and care when things feel tough or overwhelming. PANDA is here when you feel ready to explore some support options together."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c4b4e6f32e92","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3c5182900347","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9eaedd27aad6","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.sttars.org.au"},"style":"arrow","text":"Visit Supporting Survivors of Trauma"},{"_key":"81c3d323b15d","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://healingfoundation.org.au/intergenerational-trauma/"},"style":"arrow","text":"Visit Healing Foundation"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"f666e68ba206","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"702b624307280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Family violence and mental health issues"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"4e17823e1c0b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c7f50355f98c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Our Helpline counsellors often speak to expecting and new parents experiencing mental health issues and family violence at home. Some callers tell us that their partner or ex has suggested that a parent having mental health issues will always lead to child protection being involved, and babies being removed from their parent’s care. This is simply untrue."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bd8049334b75","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"669982aa1afc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As we mentioned before, "},{"_key":"de5787777387","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"seeking mental health or family violence support for yourself is being a safe and protective parent."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ab3f36a5247b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"27c04b4f0e96","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA callers experiencing family violence may also be concerned that if they talk to PANDA about their mental health or speak to a family violence service, their partner will find out."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8c701dfa58d4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cf34b026e48b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Our callers sometimes feel scared that being honest about their mental health challenges will be used against them at some point, for instance in family law court. Often, we hear that scare tactics about child removal and custody issues have been used repeatedly over time by their partner or others. Some callers start to believe that if they admit to anyone that they’re not coping, a child protection report will be made, and their children immediately removed from their care. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"841870a5dde1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e869342dbdb2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"These beliefs are based on manipulation and fear, not fact."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"97584a6de55a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"394074044ae40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3ae4f5b7dc49","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"48813ee67c1a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some Helpline callers also say they feel responsible for the family violence they are experiencing. They often tell us that their partner or others have even said they’re behaving in abusive or unsafe ways because of the caller’s mental health issues. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2e2a3cf922f8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"91b05acd9f86","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"There is never any justification for anyone to make you feel fearful or unsafe because you’re experiencing changes to your mental health. "},{"_key":"fdd52b3639e5","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Family violence is never your fault."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"32feb66038b8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a5f3e7f378640","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c209346392f1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"01e49475fe820","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sharing with PANDA’s counsellors that you or your baby are unsafe due to family violence is being a protective parent by seeking support for yourself and your child. PANDA will always put the safety of you and your baby first, and we’ll work with you to explore all the different specialist support options that are available. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3342b9a30b43","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4c7d8a29bdcc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0713f03aff08","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support"},"style":"arrow","text":"Visit 1800Respect"},{"_key":"b3ac31507013","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://relationships.org.au/ "},"style":"arrow","text":"Visit Relationships Australia"},{"_key":"14dc82020dc5","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line"},"style":"arrow","text":"Visit Family Relationship Advice Line"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"41eee860b8bb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"815d1b9d61ab0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Child protection and safety services by State/Territory"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9f8489be6c54","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b4763f21afdd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ef2cf250c11f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f6796fc13d330","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"f50e456f7b5f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"76132e5145c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Depending on where you live, child protective services may be known by a different name in your state:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f463d1b3595d","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/children/child-and-youth-protection-services"},"style":"arrow","text":"ACT – Child and Youth Protection Services"},{"_key":"e2138d611a99","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families"},"style":"arrow","text":"NSW – Family and Community Services (FACS, previously known as DoCS)"},{"_key":"18c4e158d222","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/children-and-families"},"style":"arrow","text":"  NT – Department of Children and Families"},{"_key":"cbe92c9b3c95","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/our-work/child-safety"},"style":"arrow","text":"QLD – Child Safety"},{"_key":"46401dfcee27","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/"},"style":"arrow","text":"SA – Department for Child Protection (DCP)"},{"_key":"e1c6b0b2e8a0","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/safe-children/guide-to-tasmanias-child-safety-services/"},"style":"arrow","text":"TAS – Child Safety Service"},{"_key":"6b1174cdf429","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/child-protection"},"style":"arrow","text":"VIC – Child Protection"},{"_key":"dab789853231","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/child-protection"},"style":"arrow","text":"WA – Child protection and Family Support"}]}]}],"relatedArticles":[{"title":"Connecting with your baby","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"connecting-with-your-baby"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-bda586ff5e0dc79a3c16c768466afec7ae6fc63a-2500x1667-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Parents on playmat with baby"},"text":[{"_key":"66d72a030382","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02798e8b4d960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Becoming a parent is one of the biggest changes you’ll ever experience. 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The symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or gradually in the weeks and months after."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"showFeedbackForm":true,"seo":{"metaTitle":"Child Protection: Helpful information for parents","metaDescription":"It’s normal for new parents to have concerns about what might happen when they reach out for help. We can help you access the support you and your baby need.","socialImage":{"asset":{"_id":"image-6a25388a2faddc952a141cd1c7d203c84d844ca5-1200x630-png"}}}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"child-protection-helpful-information-for-parents","isArticle":true,"lastMod":"2024-04-10"}},
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