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Child behaviour program 'delivers results'

Posted October 12, 2008 13:14:00

The New South Wales Government says there have been some extraordinary results from a new program to address severe emotional and behavioural problems in young children.

Children selected for the program attend a special preschool at Westmead Hospital with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers to be taught to build self-control and social skills.

They also attend weekly family therapy sessions aimed at developing parenting skills and looking at other possible causes for their behaviour.

Mental Health Minister Barbara Perry says it is hoped the program will help prevent serious issues later in life such as depression and substance abuse.

"This program has been running for around six months and the initial feedback is really positive," she said.

"Parents are seeing real changes in their children, they're not hitting out, they're not as aggressive, and they're expressing their emotions.

"I think that's a really good thing for the young person but it's also a great thing for the family - there's less stress in the family."

Tags: family-and-children, child-health-and-behaviour, children-toddlers, nsw, sydney-2000

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