Educational support for youth mental health patients

Regardless of which school they attend, staff from the School of Special Educational Needs: Medical and Mental Health (SSEN:MMH) provide educational support to youth mental health patients in the:

• Youth Community Assessment and Treatment Team (YCATT)
• Youth Hospital in the Home (Y-HiTH)
• Youth Unit.

Schools can find more information on these services in the Youth Mental Health Service – information for schools flyer (PDF 1.2MB).

Follow up

All students who experience a mental health issue need support within their school and community environment. When discharged from the inpatient unit, adjusting to life back at home and school can take time and may be stressful. Where education or mental health supports are required, the Youth Unit may contact the school.

The best outcomes for young people are achieved with participation from schools, families and the young person.

Risk management

Within the school setting it may be necessary for further risk assessments and risk management planning or review. Information, guidelines and templates can be found in the School Response and Planning Guidelines for Students with Suicidal Behaviour and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.

Risk assessments are ongoing throughout a young person’s stay in the Youth Unit and appropriate risk mitigation strategies and safety planning may include the school.

If a young person’s presentation escalates, then schools can utilise the contacts and supports listed below in addition to the School Response and Planning Guideline for Student Suicidal Behaviour and Non- Suicidal Self-Injury.