Assessment and Care Planning for Child and Youth Mental Health Clinicians (8ACK057)

Assessment and Care Planning for Child and Youth Mental Health Clinicians (8ACK057)

Level ~ Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma
Availability ~ All teaching periods
Type ~ Child & Youth

Clinicians are invited to follow a learning pathway that suits their individual needs.

Each topic initially offers an overview and key clinical learning (~2 hours per topic). Additional information that may be of interest is clearly signposted; and can be accessed according to the clinician's interest or area of work. Learning can focus on work with a particular age group, infant and toddler, childhood years or adolescents, or across the age range.

For Term dates, see the Academic Calendar.


Learning Outcomes

1.Describe an approach for clinicians to the immediate and short-term assessment, engagement and management of infants, children, adolescents and their families.


2.Provide clinical tools and techniques for effective mental health care of infants, children, adolescents and families who present in crisis. This includes:
*Crisis care: the first 24 hours
*Next steps in care: 24-72 hours
*An approach to Assessment, Engagement, Formulation & Care Planning; and
*Working Systemically with infants, children, adolescents and families.


3.Recognize that a clinical understanding and care of an infant, child or adolescent requires more than a mental health diagnosis. The child's level of development, family situation and social context are essential information and inform assessment, formulation and management.


4.Recognize that working systemically with the child, family, team and other services is essential in the care of young people and families.


Weekly Schedule
Week 1 An approach to the child and family in crisis
Week 2 Assessment of the child and family: a developmental and functional approach
Week 3 Engagement of the child and family
Week 4 Formulation and Care Planning: communication and collaborative care
Week 5 Management and Working Systemically: short, medium and long term