How do we improve mental health responses to highly vulnerable young people?

The Queensland Child Death Review Board (CDRB) has published a report titled “Highly vulnerable infants, children and young people: A review of recent research and discussion of priority areas to reduce the risk of suicide in this vulnerable group.” The report by Professor Brett McDermott includes an overview of some of the characteristics of highly vulnerable young people including the impacts of adverse childhood experiences, leading to cumulative suicide risk in young people. The report looks at the intersections between child protection, youth justice and the child and youth mental health system, and includes a number of recommendations to improve service responses. The report includes reviews of child and youth suicides in Queensland to assist in identifying the priority areas for improving responses to this cohort. One of the recommendations is to increase access to multisystemic therapy, as well as to create new services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Download “Highly vulnerable infants, children and young people: A review of recent research and discussion of priority areas to reduce the risk of suicide in this vulnerable group.” (2MB PDF)