Hon Alison Xamon asks about the implementation of a 24-hour emergency mental health service for children, as recommended in a report. The Minister confirms commitment and provides details on funding and timeline.

AnsweredQoN 5056Legislative Council
Asked
29 November 2011
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to recommendation 40 of the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Report on the
Inquiry into the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
from April this year, which calls for a specialised, Statewide, 24-hour emergency service for children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis. I refer especially to the finding that such a service would replace a need currently being met by the Western Australian police service, which has unnecessarily escalated some matters to criminal matters, and brought children suffering mental illness into contact with the criminal justice system, and I ask -
(1) Will the Minister commit to developing the 24-hour emergency mental health service recommended?
(2) If yes to (1), by when will this service be operating?
(3) If yes to (1), did the Mental Health Department budget for this service in the 2011-12 Budget, and if so, how much?
(4) If no to (3), will the department budget for this service in the 2012-13 Budget, and if so, how much?
(5) If no to (1), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
29 March 2012
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
121 days
(1) The Western Australian government is committed to developing additional emergency services for children and young people and has committed funds to the Department for Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for the expansion of emergency services. Princess Margaret Hospital Emergency Department has always been available 24-hours 7 days for children with mental health issues.
(2) The service will be operational in July 2012.
(3) The Mental Health Commission committed $1.6million recurrent funding in 2011/12.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable.
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