❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses youth suicide attempts in Balgo, seeking increased support through a second youth worker and funding for a replacement youth centre. The Minister's response details existing mental health services, funding for a youth worker position, suicide prevention strategies, and discussions regarding a new youth facility.
AnsweredQoN 4241Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Is the Minister aware of recent media reports that there have been 12 attempted suicides amongst the youth in the remote community of Balgo in the South East Kimberley?
Will the Minister take action to put in place funds for a second youth worker to assist with this critical situation amongst these young people; and
if not, why not; and
Will the Minister take action to put in place funds to assist with the replacement of a Youth Centre, which burnt down last year as a result of the activities of youngsters sniffing petrol at the community; and
if not, why not?
Will the Minister take action to put in place funds for a second youth worker to assist with this critical situation amongst these young people; and
if not, why not; and
Will the Minister take action to put in place funds to assist with the replacement of a Youth Centre, which burnt down last year as a result of the activities of youngsters sniffing petrol at the community; and
if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 February 2011
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
99 days
I have been advised by the Western Australian Country Health Service that since early August 2010 there have been ten confirmed suicide attempts in the Balgo Community by young people between the ages of 12 and 22 yrs. Of these, six were evacuated from the community for medical investigation/treatment. There have been no reported completed suicides in Balgo since late June 2009.
A further three self harm incidents have been brought to the attention of the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS) since November 2011.
The KMHDS continue an enhanced visiting schedule to Balgo, this includes:
· One adult and one child and adolescent mental health professional visit every six weeks for four days;
· One Consultant Psychiatrist visit for five days every 3 months;
· A Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Psychiatrist for four days twice annually;
· A five day community development visit every three months;
· A drug and alcohol counsellor three days every six weeks.
The Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation holds two youth worker positions one of which is currently vacant. It is understood the funds for the second position are in place.
The
Western Australian Statewide Suicide Prevention Strategy 2009-2013
(the Strategy) is a community lead strategy aimed at building resilience in communities at risk. The Strategy operates through the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention's "One Life" brand. Current firm negotiations are underway with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council to establish a number of new Coordinator positions across the Kimberleyto develop local community actions plans for suicide prevention. Communities such as Balgo will be able to access funding and support under this Strategy.
I understand that the Wirrmanu Aboriginal Corporation is in discussion with the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department regarding the possible construction of a new youth facility in Balgo.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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A further three self harm incidents have been brought to the attention of the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS) since November 2011.
The KMHDS continue an enhanced visiting schedule to Balgo, this includes:
· One adult and one child and adolescent mental health professional visit every six weeks for four days;
· One Consultant Psychiatrist visit for five days every 3 months;
· A Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Psychiatrist for four days twice annually;
· A five day community development visit every three months;
· A drug and alcohol counsellor three days every six weeks.
The Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation holds two youth worker positions one of which is currently vacant. It is understood the funds for the second position are in place.
The
Western Australian Statewide Suicide Prevention Strategy 2009-2013
(the Strategy) is a community lead strategy aimed at building resilience in communities at risk. The Strategy operates through the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention's "One Life" brand. Current firm negotiations are underway with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council to establish a number of new Coordinator positions across the Kimberleyto develop local community actions plans for suicide prevention. Communities such as Balgo will be able to access funding and support under this Strategy.
I understand that the Wirrmanu Aboriginal Corporation is in discussion with the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department regarding the possible construction of a new youth facility in Balgo.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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