Evolve Program

Evolve Therapeutic Services

Evolve Therapeutic Services (ETS) is a Queensland Health tertiary mental health service, providing mental health assessment and intervention to meet the therapeutic needs of children and young people in care. This includes interventions with children/ young people, their carers and their care teams, based upon mental health assessment findings and recommendations.

The key focus of ETS is to provide planned and coordinated mental health therapeutic support to children and young people in care, aimed at improving emotional wellbeing and the development of skills to enhance participation in community (and school).

ETS trauma informed practice is based upon theoretical foundations of: trauma, attachment, child development, systems theory, grief & loss, and culture. ETS works collaboratively with stakeholders to provide 'wrap around' supports for children and young people.

ETS multi-disciplinary teams include: Psychiatrist, and allied health professionals (Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Clinical Nurses) in the roles of : Team Leader, Senior Mental Health Clinicians, Mental Health Clinicians and Professional Development Coordinators. Numerous teams also have Indigenous Program Coordinators.

More information regarding Evolve Therapeutic Services is available from Queensland Health.

Referral to Evolve Therapeutic Services

Referrals can only be made by Child Safety staff by completing an Evolve Therapeutic Service Referral Form. Eligibility is for children and young people who have significant concerns with their mental health and/or social and emotional wellbeing and who are:

• subject to an interim or finalised child protection order granting custody or guardianship to the chief executive of the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services (DCSSDS) or;
• reside at home, subject to an Intervention with Parental Agreement or
• subject to a child protection care agreement.

Note:

Priority is given to referrals for children aged 5–17 years.

A referral for a child aged 0 – 4 years may be considered when Child Safety and Evolve determines it will provide the best response to the child’s needs.

Further information on how Child Safety makes a referral to the Evolve program can be found in the Child Safety Practice Manual.

Please refer to Queensland Health factsheet for contact details and further information. Evolve Therapeutic Services (ETS) Statewide Program Factsheet (health.qld.gov.au).