This workshop will explore the implementation of evidence-based models of practice in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people across Australia. The primary models under review include Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), and Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CALM). These models have been selected for their proven efficacy in addressing complex mental health needs and fostering resilience in young people.

MST is a family- and community-based intervention that targets the various factors contributing to severe behavioural issues in children and adolescents. It operates across multiple systems, including the family, peers, school, and community, to create a holistic support network that enhances the likelihood of sustained positive outcomes.

The ARC model, rooted in trauma-informed care, focuses on building secure attachments, enhancing emotional regulation, and developing competency in children and young people who have experienced trauma. By emphasising these three core domains, ARC helps to create a supportive environment that promotes healing and growth.

CALM, a model developed to address the needs of children and young people with challenging behaviours, encourages collaboration between the child and caregivers to identify problems and develop proactive solutions. This approach emphasises empathy, respect, and shared problem-solving, which aligns well with fostering positive mental health outcomes.

As an Aboriginal woman, I will also address the importance of adapting these models to ensure they are culturally safe and relevant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Considerations will include incorporating cultural strengths, respecting traditional knowledge, and ensuring that interventions are delivered in a way that honours cultural identity and community connections. This discussion aims to enhance the effectiveness of these models in supporting the mental health of all Australian children and young people, with a particular focus on cultural safety and inclusivity.