No. 34

$1.9 MILLION BOOST TO EXPAND YOUTH HEALTH SERVICES 

The 2007–2008 ACT Budget provides $1.9 million to ensure more young Canberrans will have access to the health services they need. 

Minister for Health Katy Gallagher said the funds would enable the expansion of the Junction Youth Health Service located in Civic, to allow for the provision of better youth health services in the Belconnen, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong areas.

“The funding will allow the Junction to employ two Youth Health Nurse Coordinators and two Youth Health Workers,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Their roles will focus on identifying at risk young people and improving the health and wellbeing of all young people in the target areas.”

Ms Gallagher said the program reflected the findings from community consultation for the Youth Health Framework, which identified that funding should be concentrated on direct service expansion and delivery.

This expanded service would be based on the model developed in the ‘Better General Health for People with Mental Illness’ project funded in the 2004–05 ACT Budget and use nurse coordinators to link young people with GPs in their local community.  

“The program matches clients to suitable general practices by considering factors such as the location of the practice and the specific needs of the young person including gender, culture or language requirements. 

“The Junction in Civic will provide expert consultation and liaison to participating practices.

“In addition, a key component of this initiative will be to actively support all Junction clients to obtain a Medicare card to provide them with access to Medicare related services.”

Ms Gallagher said this model provides a coordinated and partnership approach to health services for at risk young people and is designed to enhance the health management of young people with complex needs.

“This includes increasing appropriate integration and access to other mainstream services such as Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug services, Sexual Health and Family Planning services and improved access to primary health care in local communities,” Ms Gallagher said.