The Government has responded to the findings of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Youth Affairs Inquiry into Youth Mental Health in the ACT by committing to strengthen access and support across human services young people interact with.
Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson said early intervention and prevention were keys to promoting positive mental wellbeing and addressing the many complex issues that impacted the mental health of Canberra’s young people
“The ACT Government appreciates and thanks the individuals and organisations who contributed to this inquiry,” Ms Davidson said.
“Their experiences and thoughts about our mental health services are critical to the design and implementation of new initiatives that address the causes of youth mental health concerns in the ACT,” she said.
“I extend my thanks to the Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Youth Affairs who developed a comprehensive report of 66 recommendations to strengthen youth mental health services across Canberra.”
Ms Davidson said implementing the recommendations would require a collaborative approach to address the many determinants that impacted mental health.
“We are committed to strengthening access and support across human services that young people interact with,” the Minister said.
She said the Territory had already taken action on the recommendations with $3.156 million funding for the Adolescent Mobile Outreach Services, announced with the 2020-2021 Budget.
“The Adolescent Mobile Outreach Service is a recovery-focused community-based outreach service which supports young people aged 12-18 who are experiencing severe, high prevalence mental health issues,” Ms Davidson said.
The Standing Committee’s 87-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
