The Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean today welcomed the review into Tasmania’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services by Professor Brett McDermott.
“I participated in the review’s consultation process and received a copy of the draft report when it was distributed to key stakeholders last week, to which I provided feedback,” Ms McLean said.
“Health, and more specifically mental health, is the foundation of good wellbeing. We owe it to our children and young people to ensure they can access the support they need, when they need it.”
Ms McLean said the lack of timely access to appropriate supports has been consistently raised with her by children and young people, their families and those who support them in their communities.
“In particular, I have been made aware of a need for improved access to specialist mental health care for some children and young people living in Tasmania’s Out of Home Care system.”
Ms McLean said the review process to date has confirmed that despite the dedicated, hardworking professionals working in the system, there is a need for improved resourcing and prioritization of the needs of children and young people.
“Significant additional investment is required to achieve an ambitious, but necessary reform agenda.
“I am supportive of the draft recommendations, including more support options for children and young people living in out of home care, children and young people involved in our youth justice system and very young children and their families.
“The proposed reforms will require significant additional funding, which I believe should be a State Government budget priority.”
