- Published:
- Wednesday 3 August 2016
Children experiencing mental health issues will benefit from a $14 million boost to Monash Children’s Hospital’s facilities.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today joined Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos to announce that the 16/17 Victorian Budget investment would result in the Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS) being integrated into the new children’s hospital and co-located with the new state-wide Child Inpatient Unit.
The ELMHS provides services to infants, children, adolescents, young people and their families and community agencies and it will be complemented by a brand new purpose built eight bed child inpatient unit which will have a focus on children from 0-12 years.
The relocation is expected to be completed by September next year.
The new Monash Children’s Hospital will deliver a dedicated hospital with greater capacity to meet future demand for services and a purpose-designed environment for children to the extended Monash Health catchment.
We want to see more mental health services supporting families and children.
Crucial part of this new facility will be the mental health services for children, young people and their families.
Following the launch of the 10-year Mental Health Plan for Victoria, the 2016/17 budget has seen a state-wide investment of more than $43.48 million over four years to support the mental health of children.
This includes $8.8 million for a new child clinical specialist initiative for children with behaviour disorders linked to mental illness such as conduct disorder, and its precursors. In addition $34.66 million over four years will expand the child clinical mental health services to provide treatment and care to more children 0 to 12 years of age.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“This investment will give services greater ability to treat children experiencing behaviour disorders or psychological trauma as a result of family violence and abuse.”
“Investing in mental health earlier in life, not only benefits Victorians later in life, but will have multiple benefits for our health system.”
Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“Monash Children’s Hospital will be a remarkable facility and while no parent ever wants to see their child admitted, we owe all children the best possible start in life and for those who are struggling the services provided will be top notch.”