AMA welcomes new research alliance for children and youth
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today the AMA welcomes the launch of a new national research body set up to look at the problems facing children and young people.
Dr Phelps said: "The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, set up by the Federal Government, will use research to improve the health and welfare of the nation's younger generations.
"Multidisciplinary collaborations using the best national resources are the key to making a difference. The alliance will help translate research findings into action."
The AMA supports the Government in recognising the urgent need for integrated research in child and adolescent health and the necessity for a coordinated approach from government departments, health and social welfare organisations and research facilities.
The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth will:
- Link disparate data sources to ensure best use is made of the existing data.
- Establish a national clearing house for the dissemination of evidence on effective interventions to enhance child and youth health; and
- Develop a communication strategy to make research more accessible to policy makers and those involved in service delivery.
Dr Phelps stressed: "The development of the whole child, using a comprehensive model of seamless supports and early interventions, is of paramount importance.
"The AMA is very concerned about health directions for our children and young people and looks forward to working closely with the new alliance as it develops its new child health policy."
The AMA strongly endorses the Federal Government's action in supporting the development of a comprehensive national child and youth health strategic policy and allocating resources to support it.
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (0419) 440 076