A community meeting to bring to light the challenges facing parents with a serious mental illness who are raising children and the impact of the mental illness on the children and the family functioning is set for Dec. 6.

The event is free and open to the public. The meeting is from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the State Capitol and is being sponsored by Mental Health America of Hawai`i in partnership with the Hawaii Children's Trust Fund, and the Consuelo Foundation.

People who grew up with a mentally ill parent, parents who have suffered from mental illness, providers, advocates, representatives from community organizations, and interested members of the public are encouraged to attend. 

Space is limited so interested individuals should register ahead of time. 

E-mail darock@mentalhealth-hi.org or call (808) 272-0947, to request a registration form. 

The purposes of the forum are to: 1) Give voice to members of families with a mentally ill parent who have suffered or are suffering in silence; 2) Learn what supports are needed to strengthen these families; 3) Generate interest and awareness about the needs of these families; and 4) Organize a group of advocates who will speak out on the needs of these families, especially the children.

Presenters include Martha Rasmus, the director and founder of the Invisible Children's Project in Wisconsin; well known Ukulele player and teacher, Roy Sakuma, who grew up in a household with a mentally ill mother and brother; children who were raised in a family with a parent with a serious mental illness; and a parent who suffered from mental illness.