Child mental health
Report
Evidence over ideology: protect children by restoring clinical standards in climate anxiety treatment
This report examines how climate-related anxiety is being addressed in clinical and educational settings. It critiques emerging psychological responses which may inadvertently reinforce distress rather than alleviate it. The report proposes practical steps for schools to ensure that environmental issues are taught in developmentally appropriate ways.
Guide
Early intervention for young people’s mental health
This guide presents a framework for understanding early intervention in community-based mental health supports for children and families. It covers the difference between mental health and mental illness, definitions of the main provision levels of early intervention and challenges to providing early intervention supports.
Report
Parent, peer and school connections may help reduce suicide risk for young Australians
This snapshot discusses suicidal thoughts and behaviours in adolescence. This research highlights that, among young Australians, positive relationships with parents and peers and school connections during adolescence are associated with the reduced likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviours during early adulthood. Collectively, the evidence supports a cross-portfolio, prevention-focused approach to reduce risk.
Essay
Mitigating the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
This essay critically examines the intersection of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Social Determinants of Health relating to Early Childhood Development and social inclusion for children. It explores the role of social workers in co-creating Protective and Compensatory Experiences through their practice to support children’s lifelong positive health outcomes.
Briefing paper
Every day matters: improving school attendance in Australia
School attendance in Australia is a big and growing problem. Federal, state, and territory Education Ministers have committed to getting school attendance back to pre-pandemic rates by the end of the decade. However, this analysis shows there is a long way to go. The brief proposes that governments should take five key first steps.