From pilot to policy: the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Initiative

In 2019, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute approached the Victorian Government with a proposal aimed at improving child mental health. Called the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Initiative, it involved creating Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders to support classroom teachers in dealing with students’ mental health challenges. They would also oversee whole-of-school wellbeing programs and help families navigate the maze of child mental health services. 

Created after extensive consultation and collaboration with the education sector, MHiPS had already attracted a provisional $500,000 grant from the Ian Potter Foundation. MCRI sought the same funding from the government and permission to stage an initial 10-school pilot. Two years later, the government committed to a $200 million statewide MHiPS rollout. 

Written for ANZSOG by Marinella Padula, From pilot to policy tells the behind-the-scenes story of one of Australia’s largest single investments in child mental health. A valuable case study for anyone interested in policy development, implementation, evaluation, collaboration and co-production – especially with the non-government sector – scroll down and click on the link to view the case.  

For copies of the accompanying teaching note, contact caselibrary@anzsog.edu.au