Links

What is Links?

Links helps people up to the age of 17 who are before the Perth Children’s Court and are living with mental health challenges. The Links Program is a Department of Justice lead program, partnered with Department of Health and Outcare.

The voluntary program, which people can opt out of at any stage, provides young people with support for both their mental health and psychosocial needs such as school engagement, accessing training, employment and providing support in prosocial activities. We aim to improve young people’s health, wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of further contact with the justice system.

Young people are offered a voluntary mental health assessment and if found suitable are offered support from our specialist team from our program. Our team includes a psychologist, mental health clinical nurse specialists and consultant psychiatrist, youth case managers and lived experience peer workers.

We work collaboratively with our clients to co-design their recovery plans. Those who have greater needs can choose to be referred to other services for extra support.

How can we help?

We can help things like:

• Alcohol and drug support
• Getting and keeping a job 
• Assisting with family issues
• Accessing education or training
• Assistance in finding accommodation

How can I join?

You can self-refer or be referred by a youth justice officer or any other service within the court and youth justice system.

Links criteria

To be eligible for Links, you must meet all the criteria dot points below.

• Must be between 10-17 years of age
• Must have matters in front of Perth Children’s Court
• Must live in the Perth metro area
• Must have unmet mental health issues and psychosocial needs.