Early Intervention in Youth Mental Health Special Interest Group

Focus

Optimising effective service delivery and long-term outcomes in youth mental health in Ireland.

Background

Implementation of this SIG was informed by three key issues: firstly, a gathering concern over the continuing lack of adolescent or youth mental health teams in Ireland particularly for the post-16 age group – currently only one intervention service is available which starts at age 18; secondly, recognition of the rapidly developing currency of early intervention as a realistic strategy for treatment and hence service provision; and thirdly, appreciation of the value of readily accessible, youth-friendly early intervention services in optimising engagement and treatment outcomes.

Principal Aims

affording a much needed resource and forum to bring clinicians together for mutual discussion, learning and sharing
strengthening expertise and enhance services and facilitate access to ‘expert’ advice, tips and best practice
increasing awareness of youth mental health, in particular evidence-based practice
providing an integrated network for professionals involved in the broad array of mental health services for young people
encouraging innovation
promoting access and accessibility of services
contributing to the ongoing debate about targeting resources for Early Intervention
achieving broader awareness of evidence based practice through the activities of the group – conferences, recommendations for services and occasional paper

Intervention and prevention of the sexual abuse of children and young people and those displaying harmful sexual behaviour. Mandatory Reporting – What’s next?
The object of the seminars is that given the introduction of Mandatory Reporting it is likely that there will be increasing numbers of sexually abused children and young people identified. The seminars will present current approaches to working with children and young people who have been sexually abused and those responsible for sexually harmful behaviour, and approaches to prevention.