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National Guidelines Launched to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Health Checks
The National Guidelines provide a nationally consistent framework for integrating mental health and wellbeing into existing ECHCs, recognising the critical importance of the first 2,000 days of life in shaping a child’s development, health, and future outcomes.
Date published:
Today marks an important step forward in Australia’s commitment to supporting child mental health and wellbeing, with the release of the National Guidelines for including mental health and wellbeing in Early Childhood Health Checks (ECHCs).
These Guidelines provide a nationally consistent framework for integrating mental health and wellbeing into existing ECHCs, recognising the critical importance of the first 2,000 days of life in shaping a child’s development, health, and future outcomes.
“Early childhood is a foundational period. By embedding mental health and wellbeing into routine health checks, we can identify emerging challenges early and ensure families receive timely support and advice,” said CEO of the Commission, David McGrath.
The development of the Guidelines is underpinned by key national initiatives, including the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
The Commission’s National Report Card 2024 recently highlighted the need for an increased focus on prevention, noting a rise in mental disorders among young people and an increasing number of Australians delaying or forgoing mental health support due to cost.
“These Guidelines aim to normalise conversations about child mental health from birth,” Mr McGrath added. “By encouraging consistent access to ECHCs with trusted professionals, we empower families to understand and respond to their child’s mental health needs early, and into the future.”
Developed in consultation with families, carers and their kin and subject matter experts, the Guidelines are designed to help health professionals and families work together to create supportive environments for children, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The Commission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.
Diversity
The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lived Experience
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.
