Implementation
Implementing KidsMatter across the whole school, involving all staff and engaging partnerships with parents, carers and support from community organisations, requires that schools prioritise a specific focus on KidsMatter and develop a sense of ownership of the initiative. Implementing KidsMatter requires a planned and coordinated whole school approach driven by a strong and enthusiastic leadership team and a principal who can demonstrate and articulate commitment through active engagement in all stages of the initiative. A particular implementation model has been selected that includes consultation with staff so that their needs and concerns are central in the planning process.
How KidsMatter is implemented in schools
KidsMatter pilot phase
The KidsMatter pilot began in 2006 and has extended into 2008. Over 100 schools, spread throughout all States and Territories, are participating in trialling the KidsMatter initiative. Each school has an Action Team who drives the initiative within their school with the support of the KidsMatter Project Officer for their State or Territory. The role of the Action Team in informing and involving all staff in KidsMatter is central to ensuring that the initiative is implemented effectively.
For the KidsMatter pilot, School Action Teams attended an initial 2-day briefing session and subsequently involved staff in conducting an audit of current practices that supported mental health and wellbeing at their school. A KidsMatter Project Officer met regularly with each school Action team to work through the implementation process.
7-step implementation process
KidsMatter has developed a step-by-step process that incorporates planning through problem solving and a built-in review process which Project Officers use to guide schools through implementation. The 7-step model was specifically designed to support schools in identifying, planning and carrying out actions to address the mental health needs of their students. The seven steps comprise: 1) defining the issues by writing a summary statement to describe the schools current situation; 2) setting goals based on each summary statement; 3) identifying any concerns in achieving goals; 4) developing a broad range of options/strategies to address concerns and achieve goals; 5) evaluating feasibility of each option/strategy; 6) formalising the Component Plan; 7) implementing the Plan and review.
Professional Learning to support each Component
KidsMatter schools are provided with professional learning to improve staff knowledge of mental health. As part of the ongoing support provided to schools by the Project Officers, schools undertake professional learning sessions for each KidsMatter Component with the Project Officer for their State or Territory. These sessions are specifically designed to increase the skills, understanding and confidence of all staff to enable them to feel competent in the delivery of KidsMatter in their school.
Supporting resources
KidsMatter has developed a number of written resources to support schools in the implementation process. These include:
- Implementation Manual - available only to schools involved in the KidsMatter trial
This detailed resource outlines the initiative, providing a rationale for each component and a structured implementation process. Key information on the KidsMatter framework is coupled with step-by-step guidelines for working through the implementation to enable schools to systematically address each of the four components. The Manual also provides specific tools for Action Teams to use as part of the implementation process. - Programs Guide - available online from 2009
This resource has been designed to complement the KidsMatter Implementation Manual. The Guide identifies and reviews school-based mental health programs that can be used to address each KidsMatter component. It also includes a detailed overview of each program. This Guide is intended to help schools can make decisions about which programs are most suitable for their needs and for those of their students. - Information Resources for parents and teachers - now available online
KidsMatter has developed a range of resource packs for parents, carers, and school staff that contain detailed information on key topics that fit within each of the four KidsMatter components. Each resource pack also includes practical suggestions for supporting children’s mental health and development and provides links to further information and support services.
For more information on KidsMatter in 2009 click here
