The Hon Nicola Roxon MP – Minister for Health and Ageing has today announced that the Australian Government will provide $12.2 million over the next three years to support the expansion of the KidsMatter Primary mental health initiative to more primary schools across Australia. The Minister also announced funding of $6.5 million to pilot the KidsMatter Early Childhood Initiative. Speaking at the Monmia Primary School, a KidsMatter pilot school, Ms Roxon highlighted the positive impacts of KidsMatter on children’s mental health. See the Minister’s press release here.
The Australian Psychological Society and beyondblue, partners in KidsMatter, have also issued statements to the media. Read the Australian Psychological Society release and the beyondblue release.
A comprehensive evaluation of the KidsMatter Primary pilot was conducted by Flinders University of South Australia. Results show many positive impacts for schools, children, parents and carers. The Executive Summary is now available online.
