Child and Youth Mental Health Problems

The Hon. TONY KELLY: On 15 May 2008 Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes asked me, representing the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health), a question concerning child and youth mental health problems. I have been provided with the following response:

All the advice in this area around outcomes from significant international research indicates that the majority of adults with mental disorders have also met diagnostic criteria for disorders by adolescence. Research also shows that earlier access to good quality mental health care for young people helps to decrease the severity of the disorders and to lead to better long-term outcomes.

In recognition of this, the New South Wales Government has committed $16 million to the Brain & Mind Research Institute to fund the construction of a new Youth Mental Health Clinical Research Facility in Camperdown. The new facility will provide comprehensive clinical services and research during the early phases of mental illness, including psychotic disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. It will provide the opportunity to intervene early with young people who are developing these illnesses. At the same time, it will significantly contribute to high-level research into the complexities of the development of mental illness and point to new evidence for effective prevention.

From 2007/08, funds of $27.2 million have also been allocated to Area Health Services to develop Youth Mental Health Services Models to strengthen service access and delivery for young people with mental health problems. A pilot study to develop a prototype model commenced in the Central Coast during 2006107. The pilot study has identified key principles and core components to guide other Area Health Services in developing and implementing their youth mental health services models from 2008/09.

I am also advised that New South Wales Health is finalising a comprehensive planning framework for child and adolescent mental health services Building a Secure Base for the Future: New South Wales Mental Health Service Plan for Children, Adolescents and the People Who Care for Them.

This document outlines the principles for comprehensive services to improve the mental health and well being of children and young people in New South Wales. It provides a base for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services planning over the next 10 years and policy development in priority areas to address population requirements. The plan acknowledges the growing prevalence and complexity of mental health problems in children and adolescents; the earlier age of onset of disorders; and opportunities to minimise multi-risk trajectories and outcomes.