Authors: Mater CYMHS Management Unit
Year: 2007
Event: 2007 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: QLD
Award level: Finalist
Award category: Infant, Child and Adolescent Services or Programs
Abstract: The value of Consumer Participation has been highlighted in numerous policy documents guiding Australian mental health service delivery over the last ten years. However, there has been little focus on the unique issues associated with consumer and carer participation in child and adolescent mental health services. The model of participation adopted by Mater CYMHS was an innovative development in service delivery, which saw the employment of two Consumer Consultants in 2002, a first in Queensland. In an organisation which has been preparing for consumer participation for some years, this program highlights the effectiveness of the Consumer Consultant role in service planning, delivery and evaluation. The Consumer Consultants at Mater CYMHS have developed a range of promotional materials, designed and conducted surveys, engaged in staff and consumer training, chair consumer groups, support parents during times of crisis and frequently speak at conferences and workshops. It can be shown that consumer involvement at various levels has had a positive impact for the families using Mater CYMHS. Description of Facility/Organisation: Mater Child & Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) is a publicly funded service that delivers a range of services to infants, children, adolescents and young adults (0-25years). There are 3 Community Clinics that service an ambulatory care population of over 100 000 young people. The Inpatient Unit, servicing much of the south eastern corner of the state, covers a population of 325 000 young people. The Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service is a state-wide facility with a catchment population of over 335 000 Adolescents. In the 05/06 financial year Mater CYMHS provided a service to around 2000 children and young people across the service. As well as the abovementioned services, CYMHS has a Day Program, Multi Systems Therapy Team, Consultation & Liaison Service and a Parent Aid unit. The service provides a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach and are supported by specialist programs that work across sites, these include: • Research Unit • Early Intervention Program • Outreach service • Infant Mental Health Program • Consumer Consultants • Indigenous Consultant
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