Hon Adele Farina questions the Minister for Mental Health regarding a vacant clinical psychologist position at the South West Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and its impact on service delivery. The Minister acknowledges the vacancy and outlines measures being taken to address it.

AnsweredQoN 1410Legislative Council
Asked
3 December 2014
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

SOUTH WEST
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE — CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST —
VACANCY
1410. Hon ADELE FARINA to the
Minister for Mental Health:
(1) How long
has the clinical psychologist position at the south west child and adolescent
mental health service been vacant?
(2) How is
south west CAMHS able to complete a mental health assessment of a child without
a clinical psychologist?
(3) What is the minister doing to fill the vacant position as
a matter of urgency?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1) The
clinical psychologist position at south west child and adolescent mental health
service has been substantively vacant since December 2013.
(2) All mental
health professionals employed by the south west CAMHS are competent in
undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments of children. Mental health
assessment is not a skill set specific to the profession of clinical
psychologist. Assessments are carried out by the appropriate mental health
professional according to need and may include assessment by the team
psychiatrist.
(3) A suitable
candidate was selected for the position but withdrew prior to commencement. I
am advised that the position will be advertised before the end of 2014.

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