NSW Government $7.7M Boost for ADHD and Behavioural Support in Regional NSW

The NSW Government will invest $7.7 million to trial a new model of care and management for children with behavioural issues including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in regional NSW.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding would be included in the upcoming 2021-22 NSW Budget to provide greater support for families in the bush.

“This is about ensuring kids and young people across our State are able to get the help they need when challenges arise. We don’t want families to just survive, we want them to thrive and meeting health needs plays a vital part in that,” Mr Perrottet said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the pilot program will give people greater access to vital services closer to home.

“We are pleased to invest in a trial that will help children and young people with behavioural issues including ADHD and their families seek the care they need in their local community,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Medical and allied health staff will be employed in regional areas to work directly with the families to help children and young people transition from school to tertiary education or work while managing their behavioural issues.”

The mixed model service will connect children and young people with behavioural management and support needs to a range of state-wide services including:

• existing diagnostic services;

• paediatric psychiatry support;

• tertiary children’s services;

• transition care and management; and

• telehealth and outreach clinics.

The trial builds on the recommendations of the Henry Review which examined the current model of care for the assessment and management of children and young people with behavioural issues including ADHD in NSW.

“We have taken on board the three recommendations of the Henry Review, and the new model of care will be informed by input from medical and allied health staff across NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.

In 2021-22, the NSW Government will contribute $1.8 million funding for the ADHD pilot program, with a total investment of $7.7 million over four years.