The new facility is named Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun, meaning the Family Healing Centre. Photo: Austin Health.
Victoria’s first facility to provide around-the-clock specialised mental health care for children under 11 years of age and their families has opened in Melbourne’s north east.
The 12-bed Austin Health run centre in Macleod provides early intervention residential mental health treatment to children in an environment that allows them to stay with and be supported by their families.
Named Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun, meaning the Family Healing Centre in the Woi wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, it can accommodate up to three families on-site at any one time.
The facility was designed in consultation with those who have lived experience and includes a communal kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry and family activity and outdoor garden areas, as well as private and clinical consulting rooms.
Austin Health infant child and youth mental health divisional manager Sue Wells said this innovative approach to mental health care would provide better outcomes for young people.
“Much like the rest of the country, Austin Health has seen an increase in young people requiring support from mental health services following the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
“Facilities, like this one, where early intervention is the focus are designed to support children and prevent their mental health challenges from escalating and becoming more complex.”
Specialist clinicians provide 24/7 support for mental health and behavioural challenges, including medication management, family, community and connections issues and school refusal.
“Improving access and care for our community remains our highest priority and this is an exciting opportunity for Austin Health to lead the way in supporting our next generation,” Ms Wells said.
The new centre features communal living areas for children and their families. Photo: Austin Health.
Ivanhoe MP Anthony Carbines said it was an enormous privilege to have the centre in his electorate.
“We’re thrilled it will provide families with tailored and supportive care right here in our community,” he said.
The state government said the $7.3 million centre responded to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System’s recommendations, which included redesigning bed-based services for young people.
Victorian Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the state government was not “wasting a minute” delivering the recommendations to ensure all Victorians received the care they needed.
“Victorian children and their families deserve high quality support when they are at their most vulnerable – the new Statewide Child and Family Centre will provide a safe and compassionate setting to provide this critical care,” she said.
The Victorian Government said work was underway on 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s 74 total recommendations.
Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun (The Family Healing Centre) is now accepting referrals from the community and health care providers.
