Page 5986 - Week 18 - Thursday, 12 December 1991
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The report points out at page 61 that there are extremely limited services outside the education system for adolescents with behavioural disturbance. The planned adolescent day-care unit and the structured day-care program will go some way to filling the identified gaps in this area.
The committee was of the impression that sufficient funds were being injected into the adolescent area in these times of economic constraint, but considered that a review of coordination of funding should be undertaken so that priorities can be re-examined and funds redirected, where appropriate. At page 61 the report states:
A behaviourally disturbed adolescent usually displays a number of inappropriate behaviours rather than just one which may be seen as inappropriate.
This makes the whole issue of behavioural disturbance in adolescents an even more complex issue to address appropriately.
Generally, adolescents who present themselves at refuges are in crisis and need appropriate counselling; otherwise they are at risk of developing more serious problems. The committee has recommended that the appropriate Minister request the Commonwealth Government to review SAAP-funded services, particularly in relation to including professional support such as counselling. Due to SAAP funding guidelines at the moment, youth refuges are not able to employ a range of professionally qualified staff. Although staff do their best, many adolescents fall through the system.
I turn to youth suicide, which is seen as a serious problem in the ACT. It is increasingly being seen by young people as an alternative to life's problems. This is a matter of deep concern. Like other forms of behavioural disturbance, the underlying causes are complex, making it a perplexing issue to deal with in the ACT, as in other parts of Australia. For those left behind, the sense of loss and the depth of emotional stress is immeasurable. After traffic accidents, suicide is now the greatest killer of young people in Australia, which I think is horrific. The problem of attempted suicide is also quite serious.
Up until March this year there was a social work crisis service located at Royal Canberra Hospital. The committee sees this service as being crucial and has recommended, on page 85, that the service be re-established. The committee was also concerned with regard to hospital procedures after suicide attempts. These concerns centred on the adolescent being placed in an adult psychiatric ward and the lack of family support. The committee was also told of young people being inappropriately treated by medical professionals and that medication, too, was sometimes inappropriate.
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