$68m boost for frontline mental health services for kids

Children and adolescents at risk of suicide can now access help from new and expanded acute response teams at 12 hospital and health services as part of the biggest cash injection into youth mental health in the state’s history.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Children and adolescents at risk of suicide can now access help from new and expanded acute response teams at 12 hospital and health services as part of the biggest cash injection into youth mental health in the state’s history.

New response teams have been established in the Darling Downs, Metro North, and Townsville HHS. And services have been boosted across Cairns and Hinterland, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, West Moreton and Wide Bay HHS.

There are also existing teams operating in Central Queensland, Mackay, Metro South and Children’s Health Queensland HHS.

A Courier-Mail campaign in 2022 was credited by Treasurer Cameron Dick as the reason he set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to fund mental health services.

The campaign highlighted the lack of spending on mental health services in Queensland which was below the national average for a decade.

The state government is investing $330m into youth mental health and alcohol and other drug services and $68m will go to the specialist support for young Queenslanders.

“This is the biggest investment in youth mental health and alcohol and other drug

services by any government,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

“We know that suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians and we

need to do everything we can to support their health and wellbeing.

“This significant investment of almost $68m will support the incredible work of

these teams to meet the unique challenges faced by children and young people,” she said.

An additional 33 new positions have been created to ensure more skilled professionals are available to offer vital care and support, increasing the total response team workforce to 76 full-time positions.

The extra resources will provide improved rapid response, assessment and community follow-up to young people aged up to 18 years.

Ms Fentiman said that the initiatives will not only provide immediate relief during crises but also contribute to building resilience and fostering positive mental health outcomes for the

youth of the state, now and for years to come.

“Making sure young people can access specialist and compassionate mental health care faster will ensure they get the right support when they need it most,” Ms Fentiman said.