In the past, high risk studies of children of parents with mental illness have clearly established the extent and nature of emotional and behavioural disorders in this group but little has been done to respond to this with direct service provision. Parents are treated by the adult psychiatric system which traditionally does not include a systematic response to the needs of children of that parent, or to the needs of the patient as a parent. Where child abuse and/or neglect is suspected, or occurring, child protection services become involved, a factor which significantly discourages parents from seeking help. Non government welfare agencies are working with increasing numbers of these families, but receive very little in the way of education and training concerning mental illness. This article reports on a research project aimed at exploring and understanding how parents with mental illness and their children could be effectively supported. Parents and professionals believe that effective interventions for children would include support for the parent, information about the effect of mental illness on their parent and their home life, and the presence and support of an adult who can listen to and contain their worries and fears. Parents require support and reassurance in their role as parent, with this provided in a flexible manner according to the fluctuation of their illness. The implications for the future delivery of services to the families is discussed, including the need for collaborative responses among the varied agencies in the health and welfare sector potentially working with these families.