I came across this article today and I think it’s a step in the right direction as long as we don’t start just handing pills over and thinking that it can help all children with mental health issues. We need to be aware of what’s going on for these kids and help them thrive. Take a read and see what you think. Do you think early intervention is necessary? Would it have helped your family if there was an opportunity to check things out early?
Preschoolers to get mental health checks
Updated June 10, 2012 14:00:39Clarissa Thorpe: ABC News
Australian preschoolers are set to be screened for early signs of mental illness as part of a voluntary Government-funded program.The Australian Medical Association (AMA) supports a Federal Government initiative to look for early signs of mental illness in three-year-old children.
The Healthy Kids Check will be predominately conducted by GPs who will refer children with troubling behaviour to psychologists and paediatricians.
The program will cost $11 million over five years and is expected to identify about 27,000 children who would benefit from extra support.
AMA federal president Steve Hambleton supports the initiative and says children who may have mental health problems usually start exhibiting symptoms when they turn three.
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