Wellbeing in Schools Early Intervention Program

Early Intervention Project (WiSE)

The Western Qld Primary Health Network (WQPHN) has commissioned a local service provider to provide Mental Health assessments, triage, referral and limited clinical service delivery through Australian Government funding, to target children and young people at risk of or living with a mental health condition.

• Children and Young People aged 5-18 (inclusive).
• Attending school and referred through their school community or GP. (Secondary schools in Mount Isa and Roma are excluded, as Young People over 12 can access services via headspace Mount Isa or headspace Roma).
• Self-referral or key stakeholder referral (with consent) for those not attending school, including those suspended from their school community.
• At risk of or diagnosed with a mild to moderate mental illness. (While Young People with severe and persistent mental illness may be identified through this program, ongoing care would be managed collaboratively with Child & Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) and Primary Health Care providers).

It is preferable that referrals to WiSE have the consent of the Young Person and their parent/carer, or a Young Person able to consent to their own referral to the program.

• Comprehensive initial mental health assessment of the Young Person. A brief report that outlines recommendations for ongoing management and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Triage according to the WQPHN Mental Health Stepped Care approach, using the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST). Facilitated referral to the most appropriate support, including the option of referring to the Young Person’s GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and ongoing management, potentially including telehealth psychiatry services.
• Provision of up to six sessions of brief intervention services per financial year, subject to budget availability. These sessions may include support for the Young Person and their family/significant others.
• Joint development of management plans in collaboration with the school community and other key stakeholders, including healthcare providers.
• Services delivered in a culturally appropriate manner, ensuring inclusivity and respect for cultural backgrounds.

This service is funded by the Australian Government under the PHN Program and is free of charge to clients. WiSE program funding is capped, so exploring other service delivery options is encouraged where necessary.

Where feasible, the initial mental health assessment will be completed face-to-face to ensure a thorough understanding of the Young Person’s needs. However, if in-person assessments are not timely, they can be conducted via video link. Ongoing contact and service delivery, where appropriate, may also take place via video link. The specifics around service delivery will be coordinated by your commissioned service provider.

Referral

• Referrals can be made using WQPHN’s web-based tool, refeRHEALTH, which is the recommended referral option.
• Referrals can also be made through local schools, GPs, or service providers.

Further information

For identification of your service provider(s), more information on services, including what to expect, visiting schedules and administrative issues please contact: Head to Health 1800 595 212.

Your WiSE service provider can assist in accessing culturally appropriate services where indicated. For further service delivery information please go to: https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au