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Review into mental health services for children and adolescents

Mental Health Minister Roger Cook has asked the Chief Psychiatrist to undertake a targeted, independent review into how the public mental health system cared for 13-year-old Kate Savage, who recently passed away.

The review will focus on the clinical care, and comment on how to improve mental health services for young people across inpatient and community-based clinical services.

The findings of the review will form part of the broader Young People Priority Framework, already underway by the Mental Health Commission, which will analyse and make recommendations for young people, aged 12 to 24, across both the public health system and non-government services.

The framework will be produced by the end of the year and will provide an overview of current services, identify gaps and make recommendations for key actions.

It will be developed in close partnership with the sector and stakeholders, and overseen by the Mental Health Executive Committee and the Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Council.

Recently, the WA Government announced a new $25 million youth homelessness service for young people with mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues, along with an expansion of support services for children bereaved by suicide.

If you need help for yourself or your child, you can see your family GP, a family counselling service, call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

In a life-threatening situation, call 000 or visit your nearest emergency department.