Innovations in Practice: Effectiveness of specialist adolescent outreach service for at‐risk adolescents

NorthernAreaMentalHealthServices,131WoodStreet, Preston,VIC3072,AustraliaBackground: Outcomes are reported for an assertive outreach team for adolescents that combines flexibleservice delivery (e.g. outreach) and broad-ranging interventions. Method: A retrospective evaluation over a2-year period from 30 June 2006 to 30 June 2008 examined rates of hospitalisation, engagement with educa-tion and scores on the Child Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Results: The sample showed statistically signifi-cant decreases in hospitalisation rates (from 47% to 17%) and increases in engagement with education(full-time attendance from 23% to 56%). There was a mean increase of 7.4 points on the CGAS. Conclusion: Anintensive, flexible and broad-ranging approach can be applied to adolescents who display at-risk behavioursand/orhavehighriskfactorsforpoor long-termoutcome.Key Practitioner Message: