The state’s first mental health care child and family centre will open in the coming months.
Mental Health Minister Gabrielle Williams toured the new 12-bed centre in Macleod in June.
It will deliver residential mental health and wellbeing treatment to children aged under 11 years, with their families able to stay and support them.
“Mental health support is critical for all ages,” Ms Williams said.
“Our new Statewide Child and Family Centre will ensure that care and support is available for young Victorians experiencing trauma or mental ill-health.”
The $7.3 million centre will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Up to three families can stay onsite at one time to receive flexible, family-centred therapy and support from specialist clinicians.
The centre is focused on the needs of children and families who have experienced trauma and require additional support.
It’s designed to create a safe, welcoming and healing atmosphere for children and their families.
It features private rooms and shared living spaces, including communal kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry and family activity areas, outdoor garden areas, and clinical consulting spaces.
The new centre responds to key recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to provide more tailored models of care.
Services with an early intervention focus are designed to support children and prevent their mental health challenges from escalating and becoming more complex.
The centre is due to open later this year.
