Support for young people with mental illness to work

An independent evaluation of the Coalition’s Individual Placement and Support Trial has revealed encouraging results that a tailored approach can help improve job outcomes for young Australians with mental illness.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today released the KPMG evaluation which tracks progress of the program that co-locates job placement and other support services with youth mental health services through headspace.

“The KPMG evaluation found that of the 1558 trial participants, more than 40 per cent found employment or participated in education while a further 20 per cent continued to take part in the program,” Minister Ruston said.

The Trial launched in 14 headspace locations on 1 November 2016 to assess whether the IPS model, which was originally developed for adults, was suitable for young people up to the age of 25 with mild to moderate mental illness.

“Crucially clinicians noted the value that employment and education had on the wellbeing on the young Australians participating in the trial,” Minister Ruston said.

“Feedback included young people having improved confidence and social skills, increased independence and, in some cases, the reduction or cessation of clinical services.

“Working gives people a sense of identity and purpose, providing a sense of direction and personal achievement which is why the Morrison Government is so focused on breaking down the barriers people face getting back into the workforce.”

Earlier this year the Government committed an additional $14.6 million to extend the trial for a further two years and to expand it to another 10 headspace sites. The Government will continue to monitor the progress of the trial.

To read more about the Trial visit the Department of Social Services website.