A new taskforce is to be established to engage with mental health services in Perth and regional areas and their users, to drive a children’s and adolescent services system for the future.
The move follows the release of a progress update on the Our Children Can’t Wait report by the Commissioner for Children and Young People earlier this year and the recent release of the Chief Psychiatrist’s review of the case of Kate Savage, the 13-year-old girl who died from self-inflicted injuries.
Minister for Mental Health, Roger Cook said the Chief Psychiatrist’s report made for ‘sobering reading.’
“Unfortunately it confirms what we have been aware of for some time,” Mr Cook said, “there are significant gaps in the mental health care available in the public mental health system for children and adolescents.”
He said the taskforce would be chaired by an independent person and would engage with families, children and staff from the metropolitan and regional mental health services.
“The taskforce will outline a comprehensive plan for a contemporary, world-class child and adolescent service operating model, incorporating best practice nationally and international,” Mr Cook said.
He said demand in the Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services had risen 50 per cent between 2015 and 2019, reflecting a nationwide increase in demand for mental health services.
He said about half the mental health issues started by 14 years of age with 7.6 per cent of young people aged 12 to 17 dispensed mental health-related medication nationally in 2018-19.
“Supporting our children is an investment in the future,” Mr Cook said.
“No child should have to tackle the challenges of a higher risk environment or experiences without access to the mental health support they need.”
Chief Psychiatrist, Nathan Gibson (pictured) said the research was clear.
“We must provide available, effective and sustained mental health treatment services for children under 12 years old, as well as for older children,” Dr Gibson said.
“If we do not provide this early life treatment and support, we will condemn a generation to worsening mental health throughout their lives.”
Mr Cook committed the Government to action.
“The State Government will be focusing on improving mental health outcomes for children as a priority over the next year,” the Minister said.
