A new mental health program supporting young people to turn their lives around is now underway.
Tasmania’s first Multisystemic Therapy (MST®) mental health program is the latest step in the Rockliff Liberal Government’s positive plan to reform the state’s mental health services.
The Program supports young people – who have a history of offending – to build the skills they need to get themselves on the right track.
Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff said that clinical research shows MST can reduce long-term rates for re-arrest by up to 70 per cent, significantly reducing youth offending.
“Commencement of the MST program is a significant milestone for Tasmania and presents a strong opportunity for diverting vulnerable young people from the youth justice pathway,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Under the MST model, practitioners work closely with young people and their families in the home, school and community by providing practical support to achieve family-determined goals.”
“There is a strong focus on removing barriers to family engagement, with practitioners available to provide support at all times of the day seven days a week.”
“I’m proud that our Government continues to invest in and deliver the mental health services we need to build a caring community.”
Delivered by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the first team of MST practitioners will be based in the south of the State, with further recruitment to teams in the north and northwest planned for 2023.
They will be supported by MST network partner Life Without Barriers.
The Rockliff Liberal Government has committed $41.2 million to fully fund phases one and two of our response to the CAMHS Review report and recommendations of 2020, supporting vulnerable young Tasmanians and their families.
