Contribution of 'school-link' to an area mental health service.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the contribution of the 'School-Link' initiative to an Area Mental Health Service.


METHODS
Surveys and focus groups of school and health service personnel were conducted to examine the three foci of the School-Link initiative, namely prevention, early intervention and service access.


RESULTS
Improvements witnessed since the commencement of School-Link include an increase in the number of evidence-based mental health promotion programmes in schools, improvements in the communication between health and education departments, improvements in referral patterns and better practices, such as improved feedback, in both health and education sectors. School counsellors feel more supported in their role by health services and better able to manage certain patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The actual and potential benefits of School-Link for young persons appear considerable. School-Link has provided opportunities for communication, upgrading of skills and collaborative work on mental health issues, in both education and health settings.
Maloney
Danielle
D
Sydney South West Area Health Service (Eastern Zone), Sydney, NSW, Australia. danielle.maloney@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
Walter
Garry
G
D000293:Adolescent; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D006282:Health Personnel; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires