There will be an overhaul of Western Australia's mental health system to ensure young people and families are better supported.
A designated task force has been investigating the state's mental health services for children and adolescents following the death of 13-year-old Kate Savage.
WA's chief psychiatrist found the 13-year-old, who died by suicide in July 2020, was let down by an under-funded and under-resourced mental health system.
WA Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson on Tuesday announced the McGowan government would implement all of the task force's 32 recommendations over a five-year period.
The recommendations include developing more intensive community-based treatments for children in crisis, better information sharing between departments and services, increasing Aboriginal mental health workers, and improving access to regional services.
Ms Sanderson said there would also be a push to attract and retain mental health workers in WA to meet the rising demand.
"We need to get children and their families the help they need before it escalates into a hospital admission," she said.
"We've heard that it's too hard for families to get help. Parents and children are not feeling safe and the current system does not listen to their needs.
"We have a very dedicated and incredibly passionate workforce... and they are absolutely committed to supporting children and adolescents, but they are overwhelmed."
In WA, approximately 14 per cent of children experience mental health issues.
Child referrals to public specialist mental health services are up by 70 per cent since 2014, while 14,000 WA children were in contact with a mental health service in 2020.
Ms Sanderson said funding for the changes would be outlined in the state budget, which is due to be released in May.
Australian Associated Press
