National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Report
The National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Report

2. An optimal child mental health system

To achieve an optimal child mental health system, this Strategy proposes a number of actions that collectively represent a fundamental, cultural shift in the way we think about mental health and wellbeing for children.

To achieve an optimal child mental health system, this Strategy proposes a number of actions that collectively represent a fundamental, cultural shift in the way we think about mental health and wellbeing for children. This shift includes:

  • a change in language that refers to a wellbeing continuum that supports early intervention
  • a change in status to give child mental health parity with physical health
  • a change to ensure access and equity in all systems with priority access given to children 0-12 years of age
  • a change towards needs-based access to services
  • a change in the collective understanding of the roles of families, communities, services and educators.

An optimal child mental health system

The changes needed are considerable, but they are achievable. They characterise an optimal system for child mental health and wellbeing. An optimal system is not aspirational, it is essential. Anything less means that we have failed to deliver on the rights and needs of Australia’s children.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past and present, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

Diversity

The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.