The Andrews Labor Government is making sure Victorian children who need specialised, intensive mental health care get the treatment they need, with a site revealed for the state’s first child and family mental health centre.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino today announced the location of the new $7.3 million, 12-bed facility in Grieve Street, Macleod, which will deliver vital residential mental health and wellbeing treatment to children under 11 in an environment that allows them to stay with and be supported by their families.
The innovative new facility responds to key recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to provide more tailored models of care. The services have an early intervention focus to support children and prevent their mental health challenges from escalating and becoming more complex.
Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the new centre will allow up to three families to stay onsite while they receive flexible, family-centred therapy and support from specialist clinicians in a community environment.
The facility will provide access to treatment, care and support in a safe, supportive, residential setting, and will offer intensive therapy for issues like medication management, resolving disputes, school refusal and other challenging behaviours.
The building’s design includes private rooms alongside shared living spaces with a kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry and family activity areas, outdoor garden areas, as well as clinical consulting areas.
The service will be operated by Austin Health, and site preparations are set to get underway in the coming weeks.
The project is part of the Labor Government’s $3.8 billion investment to transform the way mental health and wellbeing support is offered so that every Victorian gets the help they deserve.
Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“We are building a new mental health and wellbeing system from the ground up ─ and that means delivering services dedicated to supporting young children in their recovery while keeping them with their families.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“I’m proud that Macleod will be home to this Victorian-first facility, offering families more intensive, tailored support in a community environment.”
Reviewed 15 August 2021