The Commissioner for Children and Young People's Inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of children and young
people in Western Australia commenced in July 2010 pursuant to section 19(f) of the Commissioner for Children and
Young People Act 2006 (WA).
The decision to hold the Inquiry resulted from mental health concerns being raised with the Commissioner in her
consultations with government and non-government agencies, as well as children and young people and their families
in communities across the State. The announcement of the Inquiry was broadly welcomed by all of these groups.
The Inquiry was established with comprehensive Terms of Reference to allow a wide assessment of all the factors
that should be considered in the mental health of children and young people - from the strategies that help develop
mentally healthy children and young people, through to the provision of services and programs for children and young
people who are unwell.
The Inquiry also explored the range of complex interactions between a child or young person and their family, their
community and their social, physical, cultural and economic environments, being cognisant that all these interactions
impact on mental health and wellbeing in some way.
The extent of concern about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people was evidenced by the wide
range of individuals and organisations that provided 141 written submissions.
Consultations were also held with children and young people to ensure their views about mental health and wellbeing
were included in the Inquiry's consideration.
The Inquiry included a comprehensive literature review, drawing on international, national and local research to inform
the direction and evidence base of the report.
The overwhelming evidence to the Inquiry was that the mental health needs of children and young people have not
been afforded sufficient priority and there is an urgent need for reform in terms of both investment and focus.