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Development of a child, adolescent and family mental health service for Pacific young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Investigator(s) / AuthorsAllister Bush, Fa’amausili Chapman, Mercy Drummond and Tofa Fagaloa
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr Allister Bush |
| allister.bush@ccdhb.org.nz | |
| The research | |
| Summary | This paper describes the development of a dedicated Pacific child, adolescent and family mental health service based in Porirua, Aotearoa/New Zealand(NZ). |
| Objectives | Particular reference is made to, firstly, the social and demographic characteristics of the population we serve, and referrals to our service, and secondly, to key Samoan research findings which emphasize the Samoan relational concept of self as a fundamental concept underpinning Samoan notions of mental wellbeing. |
| Study design | We discuss the practical application of this concept in our work with Samoan and other Pacific young people and their families, including implications for engagement, assessment and treatment processes. E lē tulolo fua la’au o le vao E falala ona o le matagi (When the trees bend in the forest, there is always a reason) Samoan proverb |
| Methods | Audit / Quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Qualitative |
| Results | The early development of our Pacific child adolescent and family mental health service has focused on accessibility and engagement with Pacific families. Samoan research has strongly informed our reflection on our clinical practice. |
| Conclusions | Similar qualitative research focused on cultural concepts of mental health and wellbeing with other Pacific nations groups is necessary to support the development of Pacific CAMHS services, as well as outcome studies to show which mental health treatments work for Pacific young people and their families. Dedicated Pacific CAMHS in Aotearoa/NZ have a responsibility to foster the development of qualified CAMHS practitioners from all Pacific nations and support the development of child and adolescent mental health services in less well resourced communities across the Pacific. |
| Key Descriptors | Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Family, Service Development, Workforce Development |
| Disciplines | Multi disciplinary |
| Settings | DHB (District Health Board) |
| Diagnostic Categories | Anxiety & Phobic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Child and adolescent disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Psychotic Disorders, Other |
| Populations | General Population, Pacific |
| Other Keywords | child, adolescent and family; Samoan relational concept of self, Samoan culture |
| Ethics approval | Yes |
| Academic led | No |
| Service led | Yes |
| How were service users involved | Participants of the research |
| Publication in peer review journal | Yes |
| Supporting information | |
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Page last updated: 7 November 2008