- Hon Matt Doocey
A new dedicated child mental health service in Counties Manukau was officially opened today by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, marking an important step in ensuring our young people have faster access to support.
"Mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our youth today. Every New Zealander deserves access to support, when and where they need it. By expanding the help available, we can ensure no one is left stuck on a waitlist," Mr Doocey says.
The new specialist child mental health team -Te Ooritetanga oo ngaa Ratonga moo ngaa Tamariki | The Equality of Services for all Children - will operate within the Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (ICAMHS) at Counties Manukau Mental Health and Addiction Services. It has been established to support young people up to intermediate school age, along with their families, who are experiencing, or are at risk of developing, moderate to severe mental health challenges.
"We know the massive difference that early intervention can make. By identifying needs early and providing the right support before issues escalate, we can give our young people the tools they need to live the lives they deserve," Mr Doocey says.
Counties Manukau is home to one of New Zealand's fastest-growing populations. Of the estimated total population in 2021, more than 20 per cent were under 15 years old, that's around 123,400 children and young people.
"I am pleased that this new dedicated team will strengthen our specialist services, help meet the needs of this rapidly growing community, and ensure young people get support at the top of the cliff, rather than waiting for the ambulance at the bottom."
The multi-disciplinary team will provide wraparound support and includes a senior medical officer, registered nurses, two clinical psychologists, two occupational therapists, and two social workers. Recruitment is underway for whānau workers.
The service is funded through the Government's $18.7 million investment to expand and enhance ICAMHS.
"We have all seen the startling youth suicide statistics in New Zealand and, quite simply, this is not good enough. What keeps me awake at night is knowing that some young people aren't getting the support they need. I do not want any young person to fall through the cracks.
"Nationally, we have seen our focused efforts pay off. The frontline Health NZ mental health workforce grown by over 11 per cent since we came into Government. We have also seen increases in key workforces such as the child and adolescent workforce which has grown by 19 per cent.
"This is part of the Government's plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response."
