KidsMatter

What is KidsMatter?

KidsMatter is a framework that assists schools build children's mental health needs by working through four components:

1. Creating positive school and early childhood communities
2. Teaching children skills for good social and emotional development
3. Working together with families
4. Recognising and getting help for children with mental health problems.

KidsMatter is funded by the Australian Government (Department of Health) and is of no cost to schools.  It was developed in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, beyondblue, the Australian Psychological Society, the Principals Australia Institute, and Early Childhood Australia. 

There are two KidsMatter initiatives: 

1. KidsMatter Primary, designed for primary schools
2. KidsMatter Early Childhood, for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

The mental health and well-being initiative, KidsMatter was developed in response to the high rates of school-age children with mental health difficulties and the problems they face getting help. 

• KidsMatter Evaluation report (2009)

You can learn more about KidsMatter here:

• KidsMatter Primary (Schools)

• KidsMatter (Early Childhood)

• KidsMatter (families)

• KidsMatter (Health and community)

• "Mental health matters" Available in 8 languages