Wednesday, 13 October 2021

• $398,565 grant awarded to Telethon Kids Institute and University of Western Australia researcher Dr Amy Finlay-Jones
• Research to help improve childhood mental health outcomes

The McGowan Government has awarded a research fellowship grant to Telethon Kids Institute and UWA researcher Dr Amy Finlay-Jones to improve mental health outcomes for infants and children.

The Healthway funded grant of $398,565 will allow Dr Finlay-Jones to undertake research to improve childhood mental health services within the Western Australian health care system over the next three years.

This research will help overcome barriers to accessing existing services and strengthening evidence-based practice, leading to improvements in the State's capacity to measure infant and early childhood development and the delivery of evidence-based prevention strategies to improve mental health in infants and young children.

Key partners contributing to the design and implementation of the research include a range of early childhood, parenting, community, and government services.

Healthway research fellowship grants contribute towards building health promotion research capability in Western Australia.

Dr Finlay-Jones leads the Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health team at the Telethon Kids Institute.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:

"Investing in early intervention strategies is key to providing children the best opportunity for good mental health and wellbeing.

"Dr Finlay-Jones has the expertise, knowledge and well-established networks to undertake this research, and we look forward to the outcomes benefitting WA children and their families."

Comments attributed to Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The McGowan Government is committed to building a contemporary, effective mental health service for infants, children, adolescents and young people.

"Collaborating with leaders in research will inform best practice strategies that enable us to deliver the right outcomes for some of the most vulnerable groups in our community."

Health Minister's office - 6552 6500

Mental health Minister's office - 6552 5800