The Queensland Ed-LinQ Initiative aims to improve the early detection and collaborative management of mental health issues affecting school-aged children and young people.
The Queensland Ed-LinQ Initiative works at state and Hospital and Health Service levels to improve linkages between the education, primary care and mental health sectors.
Since establishment, the Commission has supported the Ed-LinQ initiative in the following ways:
Ed-LinQ evaluation
A 2014 independent Evaluation of the Ed-LinQ Initiative, funded by the Commission, reported that overall the Ed-LinQ program had largely met its goals and improved access and reduced waiting times for specialist support.
Both the education and mental health sectors identified the role of the Ed-LinQ program as crucial in facilitating timely referrals, cross agency support, workforce capability and professional development.
A Summary Evaluation Report of the Ed-LinQ Initiative and a snapshot of headline issues and next steps is also available.
Cross-sectoral workforce development
The Ed-LinQ Cross-Sectoral Workforce Development Program supports capacity building through the local delivery of a suite of two-day workshops. Health, education and community service providers participate jointly to improve their understanding of their mutual roles and strengthen their relationships.
Read the recommendations of the Ed-LinQ Cross-Sectoral Workforce Development Program Evaluation Report.
Ed-LinQ renewal
In 2015 we funded Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) to develop a model to renew, embed and expand Ed-LinQ.
The final report on the Ed-LinQ Renewal Project outlines a Proposed Ed-LinQ Model (Appendix K) and makes 16 recommendations.
The Report’s recommendations will be considered to support the Ed-LinQ enhancement under Queensland Health’s Connecting Care to Recovery 2016-2021 services plan.
The Commission Response to Ed-LinQ Renewal Project Report supports the proposed Ed-LinQ model as a framework for staged implementation.
