Mental-health groups team up to improve adolescent care
Pooling resources: in the back row are Susan Richardson, left, of Family Centre, Azaria Smith, of Solstice, Eloise Pitts-Crick, of Solstice, and Peter Yates, from Child and Adolescent Services. In front are Jade Templer, left, of Solstice, Kelly Madeiros, of Solstice, Warwick Academy teacher Daniel Cavanagh, and Sandy De Silva, of Family Centre.
Several organisations that deal with mental-health issues among the young have teamed up “to address crucial enhancements needed within the care framework”.
Staff from Child and Adolescent Services, Family Centre and Solstice have been working together in an extension of the Adolescent Mental Health Research Working Group to ensure a seamless and continuous care pathway for adolescents in need of mental healthcare.
The development follows research by Daniel Cavanagh, a teacher at Warwick Academy, which revealed more than 750 adolescents reporting moderate-to-severe depression symptoms, and a further 600 reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms.
According to a spokesman for the group, by reviewing the clientele accessing each service provider, the collaborative group aims to identify those who may be missing out on clinical services and to highlight any demographic groups that may be under-represented or disproportionately affected.
The spokesman added: “This data-driven approach will enable the formulation of targeted strategies to address these disparities. The goal is to concentrate collaborative efforts on the changes that will yield the most significant positive impact on adolescent mental health through legislative, early intervention and prevention initiatives.
Peter Yates, the child psychiatrist for Child and Adolescent Services, stressed the critical nature of the collaboration.
Dr Yates said: “It is important that we bridge the gaps in our current system to ensure no adolescent falls through the cracks. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can create a more inclusive and effective support system.”
Kelly Madeiros, the executive director of Solstice, highlighted the importance of early intervention.
She said: "Early identification and support can dramatically alter the course of a young person's life. Our collective efforts aim to put preventive measures at the forefront of our strategy, ensuring that mental-health issues are addressed before they escalate."
Sandy De Silva, the executive director of Family Centre, underscored the initiative's commitment to equity.
Dr De Silva said: “Our focus is not only on improving access to care, but also on ensuring that every adolescent, regardless of their background, receives the tailored support they need.
“This collaboration marks a step forward in our mission to serve all adolescents with the compassion and respect they deserve. We also invite other youth mental health service providers to reach out to us with any information and/or recommendations that will help to progress this initiative.”
The group spokesman added: “This is the beginning of a journey to enhance the mental-health landscape for youth. Representatives from CAS, Family Centre and Solstice invite the community to support this vital mission as they shape a brighter, healthier future for adolescents across the island.
• For more information, contact Daniel Cavanagh at cada@student.unimelb.edu.au
Source: https://www.royalgazette.com/health/news/article/20240401/mental-health-groups-team-up-to-improve-adolescent-care/