Commissioner speaks at mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention conference

Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Elizabeth Fraser, showed her support for children and young people affected by mental health by speaking at the third biennial Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Conference on 31 August and 1 September at the Logan Entertainment Centre.

The themes of this year’s conference were "Include, Create and Educate" to reflect on policies and practice trends which recognise the importance of mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention in our children and young people, as indicated in the Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007-2017.

Elizabeth joined keynote speakers including Professor Graham Martin, Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Queensland and Professor Debra Rickwood, Professor of Psychology, University of Canberra, at the conference which showcased the latest developments in the area of child and youth mental health around Australia.

Elizabeth’s speech titled "Giving Young People a Voice" provided an overview of the Commissioner’s role as the head of an independent statutory body with a mandate to protect the rights and needs of vulnerable children and young people in Queensland.

Emphasis in Elizabeth’s presentation was given to the need to connect early with individual young people experiencing mental illness in health care services. Equally important was stronger and cohesive services achieved through ongoing review and improvement of health systems. The Commission’s strategic policy and research and its systemic monitoring and review undertake such work. The aim is to promote awareness of mental health and access to services, with an end view of improving health outcomes for young people.

The Commissioner closed her speech with an invitation for all stakeholders to seek out opportunities to engage with the Commission to forge partnerships and networks, with the shared view to promote positive outcomes in mental health for children and young people.

This year, the conference also included a spotlight on the use of arts in youth mental health, featuring a series of art displays and theatrical performances as part of the inaugural Metro South Mental Health Services’ drama festival ‘Mind-Set’.

Elizabeth was also invited as a guest of honour to present the new 'Priority One Award', won by the Logan Beaudesert School Health Nurse Program, for excellence in the field of mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention.

The conference was well attended by a variety of stakeholders, providing valuable opportunities for the sharing of ideas, innovative practices and successes, and future networking opportunities.

The conference was organised by the Early Intervention Unit, Logan-Beaudesert Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Metro South Mental Health Services in Queensland Health.

Last Updated: November 24, 2011

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