In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government committed to working in partnership with state and territory governments to create a network of 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs (Kids Hubs) for children aged 0-12 years. The Kids Hubs aim to improve early intervention outcomes for children’s mental health and wellbeing by providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children, their families, carers and kin.
The development and implementation of the Kids Hubs will be determined through the bilateral agreements with states and territories under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
The Medicare Mental Health Kids National Service Model (the Model) builds on the findings of the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2021) and the Mental Health: Productivity Commission: Inquiry Report (2020). It also draws on a range of national frameworks, policies and plans that guide efforts to improve achievement of optimal health and wellbeing outcomes for children and their families. We undertook a period of consultation to support the development of the Model, including with an Expert Reference Group and all states and territories.