The National Standards for Mental Health Services were introduced in 1996, and have been adopted by the public health system across Australia.

Some non-Government Mental Health service providers in Western Australia have adapted elements of these Standards to their own service settings with some success. However, a majority has found it difficult to apply within the context in which they operate, and identified the need to have Standards designed specifically for non-Government service provision environment. After much consultation with the sector, the Service Standards for Non-Government Providers of Community Mental Health Services was born and launched in April 2004.

WAAMH, as the peak body for the non-Government mental health sector, has been funded to support agencies to implement the Standards. For a copy of the Standards or general information regarding the Standards and their implementation, click here.

Agencies funded by the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health are currently implementing the Standards. A series of workshops has been developed focusing on each of the Standards.

A Project Officer has been employed to assist agencies to implement the Standards. This flexible support is available to assist with scoping process and/or to provide support on resources to deal with specific areas of concern. If you are an agency funded by the Office of Mental Health, email standards@waamh.org.au to arrange a visit.

A web Forum has been developed for these agencies to enable them to exchange ideas, seek help, etc. This Forum is only open to agencies funded by the Office of Mental Health. If you have not received your login and password details, please contact WAAMH at: standards@waamh.org.au.

In addition, a mentoring system to enable sector and industry leaders to support agencies in the process has also been developed.

A newsletter is published quarterly containing the latest information regarding Standards implementation, dates of workshops, new supports, etc. To access the latest copy of the newsletter, 'Standards Outlook' -and back issues, click on the Downloads link and then click on 'W.A. Mental Health N.G.O. Standards'.

Click on the link below to access the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health website:
http://www.mental.health.wa.gov.au/one/index.asp.