Parents and young people desperately need your help!

South Australia’s mental health system is failing its young people. The Mallee Ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) is the only Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Service in South Australia, but with only 12 beds available it’s no surprise suicidal children are being turned away.

Currently there is a state shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists. Waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are at a record high. 

Desperate parents and vulnerable children are being left with no other option but to seek urgent medical treatment in the Emergency Department at the WCH.

Suicidal children are frequently refused admissions and sent home with nothing!

Child and adolescent mental health disorders are expected to increase over the coming years. South Australian children experiencing a mental health crisis must have to access the Mallee Ward and ongoing psychiatry appointments through CAMHS.

Parents For Change is calling on the State Government and the Women’s and Children Health Network to take urgent action and ensure:

1. An increase in the number of paediatric inpatient mental health beds in the new WCH

2. Mental health presentations in the emergency department are individually assessed by a psychiatrist

3. An increase in the number of child and adolescent psychiatrist in South Australia (public and private)

4. Emergency mental health presentations at the WCH are put on par with physical health treatment

5. Children can access ongoing psychiatry appointments through CAMHS

6. A reduction in waiting times for CAMHS appointments

7. Parents are given a comprehensive care plan to keep their children safe and alive 

Please sign this petition if you want to see child and adolescent mental health a priority in SA