Researchers have hit Mount Isa to gain further knowledge surrounding the complexities of children's mental health .
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The federal government recently identified key areas for change in the mental health system, including the need for better approaches to support children and young people.
Academics Emma Cooke, Caroline Salom and Yaqoot Fatima began their research study into supporting and improving the mental health of children and young people on Monday October 28 at the Mount Isa James Cook University campus.
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Dr Salom said a number of issues had been raised about the delivery of child and youth mental health programs within Australia, including duplication and uncoordinated implementation and the need for better targeting and integration of services.
"Ultimately we want to provide more comprehensive, targeted, and integrated services and support to improve the mental health of children and young people, commencing with the early years and going through to adolescence," Dr Salom said.
"Therefore we are conducting focus groups with community members (e.g. practitioners, parents and carers, and key community members) to understand the impact of the program on local community dynamics, such as in support service delivery."
Dr Salom said the purpose of the community focus groups was to dive deep into the wellbeing and experiences of children, young people, and their support networks in local communities to help understand the barriers and enablers to Program effectiveness.
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