Children in Perth, Western Australia will soon get the early intervention and mental health support they need with the opening of a new Head to Health Kids Hub.
The Kids Hub will provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children under 12, and their families, experiencing mild to moderate developmental, mental health, behavioural or emotional challenges.
Children will not need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care.
Multidisciplinary services will be available and may include access to psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer support workers.
The Australian and Western Australian governments are establishing the Head to Health Kids Hub together, working in close co-operation to ensure we improve the mental health of children.
Following a competitive tender process, the Kids Hub will be operated by Parkerville Children and Youth Care Service. Services are expected to commence in early 2025.
Over the next four years, the Albanese Labor Government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of 17 Head to Health Kids Hubs. This is a key action in the National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Kids Hubs aim to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children by filling gaps in the health system through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government has partnered with the WA Cook Government to fund these Kids Hub so children and their families can get the help they need.
"It's clear children need more support with mental health and wellbeing, and families need more free services to help their children.
"Kids Hubs will provide a welcoming environment to help children and their families discuss concerns and find solutions to thrive."
Quotes attributable to Minister Sanderson:
"I am pleased to announce Parkerville Children and Youth Care Service as the provider for WA's first Head to Health Kids service.
"It is vital to provide our children with accessible mental health support for WA's future.
"All levels of government must work together on initiatives to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people."
