Vocational

Abstract

Aim: To compare rates of vocational engagement for youth entering specialist mental health treatment with the general population. Methods: A file audit retrieved vocational data for 145 youth aged 15-25 entering treatment. Clinical and population data were stratified by age and sex and compared between cohorts. Results: Compared to the population, young people entering mental health treatment were less likely to have completed at least Year 11 in school (77% vs. 42%, p <.001); and demonstrated higher rates of ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ (NEET; 9% vs. 33%, p<.001). Individuals aged 15-18 years entering treatment experienced greater rates of educational disengagement than the population (30% vs. 11%, p <.001), whereas people aged 19-25 years showed higher unemployment rates (52% vs. 35%, p =.003). Conclusions: Youth entering specialist mental health treatment have marked levels of vocational disengagement compared to demographically-matched peers. Early vocational intervention for these young people is essential.