This guide presents a framework for understanding early intervention in community-based mental health supports for children and families. It covers:

• the difference between mental health and mental illness
• definitions of the main provision levels of early intervention (promotion, prevention, early identification and case management)
• challenges to providing early intervention supports.

The guide has been developed for practitioners working in Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS). FMHSS provide early intervention and non-clinical community mental health support for children and young people, aged up to 18 years, who are showing signs of, or are at risk of, developing mental illness. 

The guide will also be useful to other practitioners working with children and young people, parents and families. The content has been developed specifically for practitioners who have less than five years of experience in the child and family services sector.