The Extent to Which Policies Are Supporting Families to Improve Child Mental Health Outcomes in Victoria, Australia: A Policy Scoping Review

Introduction

Child mental health, both in terms of addressing difficulties and promoting competence, is foundational to optimal health, educational and vocational outcomes across the lifecourse. It is a key policy focus in Australia. This study aims to describe the current child mental health policy landscape in Victoria and at a federal level within Australia, to understand the extent to which mental health competence is targeted and families are currently leveraged as a key influence on child mental health outcomes.

Methods

Policy specific websites and search engines were used to identify relevant policy documents for inclusion in a policy scoping review.

Results

Twenty-five policies were identified as relevant for inclusion in the review across health, education, social services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander national peak bodies or government departments. Twenty policies targeted competence, to varying extents. Twelve policies specifically focused on supporting families to improve child mental health outcomes, and 11 policies acknowledged families as a key influence on children but did not provide specific examples of how to support families. Two policies had no mention of families.

Conclusions

There is currently a range of policies, at a state and national level, that aim to prevent and treat mental health difficulties and promote mental health competence. So What? There is an opportunity to improve these policies by clearly defining competence and providing guidance on how to support families.