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Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a survey of consumers of mental health services who are working (in either paid or unpaid positions) in NSW Health and in the Non Government Organisation sector in NSW. Method: A survey was distributed through the NSW Consumer Advisory Group newsletter to elicit the roles and assess the training needs of consumer employees, as well as those who were working in voluntary capacities as consumer representatives, within the mental health system in NSW. Results: Many mental health consumers have been placed in the untenable position of being engaged in representation and/or advocacy roles with unclear job descriptions and no training. The majority of consumers want a code of ethics and performance standards for consumer workers. Conclusions: The rhetoric of consumer participation is not matched by effective and timely strategies that ensure that consumer involvement is underpinned by relevant training and supportive infrastructure. The goal of meaningful consumer participation in mental health services, as outlined in policy, is yet to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe a model for consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders used in the development of a training course, by the NSW Institute of Psychiatry, about young people's mental health and wellbeing. Historical, social and political factors contribute to the elevated rates of mental distress and disorder experienced by many Aboriginal young people. However, these young people often do not receive the help they need. Knowledge, skills and attitudes of clinicians are associated with the uptake of services. Therefore, a training course for clinicians was developed utilizing a detailed consultation process with Aboriginal stakeholders. Conclusions: The course was delivered as part of an ongoing comprehensive interagency training program for 2000 clinicians. The course was positively evaluated by participants and stakeholders, suggesting that the course development, including the consultation process with Aboriginal stakeholders, was effective in meeting participant and stakeholder needs. Agencies may be interested in the application of this model to consultation processes with Aboriginal communities and with other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors, in collaboration with NSW Health, have recently developed a comprehensive suicide risk assessment framework. The present paper describes key concepts in the assessment of suicide risk by mental health professionals.Methods: A framework for conducting a comprehensive suicide risk assessment was derived from the literature, incident analysis and clinical experience. The framework underwent a consultation process involving clinicians in NSW area mental health services. The aim was to provide clinicians with a standardized conceptual map for the assessment of suicide risk. A MEDLINE search was conducted for publications dealing with 'suicide' and 'suicide risk assessment' from 1980 to 2002. The recommendations from sentinel event reviews conducted in a NSW area mental health service in the period 1999-2002 were reviewed. The lessons from a visit to a coroner's relatives support group for people who had been bereaved by suicide also informed the development of the guidelines.Results: A framework is proposed for the assessment of suicide risk. The framework promotes a reflective style of practice, encouraging clinicians to evaluate their assessment and its limitations. Risk assessment is always undertaken as part of a full clinical assessment and an evaluation of the person's current predicament and psychosocio-cultural context. The concepts of changeability, assessment confidence, common sense and the importance of corroboration are incorporated in the framework.Conclusions: Mental health clinicians can be guided by a framework in suicide risk assessment and documentation. The assessment of suicide risk can generate a suicide risk rating for which minimum standards of care can be mandated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the New South Wales (NSW) Aboriginal Mental Health and Well Being Policy and its key workforce initiative, the NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Training Program. Conclusions: The Policy provides a strong framework guiding the development of Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing programs throughout NSW Mental Health Services. However, the effectiveness of the Policy will be determined by the success of its implementation. The NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Training Program will support implementation of the Policy by growing an Aboriginal mental health workforce in NSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]