More mothers, children and young people will benefit from earlier and increased mental health support, thanks to a more than $21 million funding boost to expand the capacity of vital services.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley visited Monash Children’s Hospital to announce a statewide package which will provide greater early intervention for Victorians to get support at crucial stages of their lives.
The Andrews Labor Government will continue to fund the cuts by the Turnbull Government that ensures mums have access to extra support with a $2.9 million expansion which will allow earlier detection and treatment of antenatal and postnatal mental illness, including depression.
Building on successful perinatal emotional health programs in rural settings there will also be extended treatment capacity in metropolitan services for expectant and new mothers.
Recognising the impact mental illness has on our children, the Labor Government will provide an additional $5.1 million to extend mental health services for children from birth to 12 years old.
Early intervention provides long term benefits for children – reducing mental health problems, reducing involvement with the justice system, and improving social and economic participation.
The Government is also providing an additional $13.2 million across clinical mental health services to enable more Victorians to access early intervention via local specialist services.
It will fund additional service hours to support youth and adult clients.
Monash Health is Victoria’s second largest public clinical mental health service. As part of Victoria’s early intervention mental health initiatives, it’s receiving a $16.4 million growth in mental health funding in 2017-18.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“This targeted funding will mean we can intervene early to support mums, children and young people when they need it most.”
“We know that mental health issues are common and we are working hard to ensure Victorians can access support quicker and easier – to save lives.”
Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda Hong Lim
“We are fortunate to have a dedicated team at Monash Health and this additional funding will greatly assist them to provide support as required to our Victorian mums, children and young people across the South East of Melbourne.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020