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"Mental health system for children and youth"

About: Perth Children's Hospital / Ward 5A - Mental Health

(as the patient),

At the age of fourteen I was admitted to ward 5A multiple times 

I had a patient threaten to get their siblings to bash me I understand that this patient was mentally unwell but it was not fair on other kids there. They also had called my friend a sl*t a derogatory words like that 

I recall my friends on the ward were deadnamed multiple times and blamed for me not taking my medication. They were not the reason I wasn’t taking my medication I had thoughts and voices in my head everyday telling me what to do or say 

Restraints I was restrained by security guards out in the courtyard in front of my friend. I was crying, they had locked our rooms there security guard squeezed my breasts what it was probably on accident yes but it was uncomfortable and I believe they need to learn how to deal with mental illness and health better because based on my experience I think it’s not a great mental health system for children and youth.

It’s really not the amount of force I believe they use is disgusting my friend watched me get restrained and me cry to them my friend later sent me a message saying one of them "was mimicking u crying and laughing that they called u an idiot then they called u a trans moron".

I think they need to get better staff and security already. In my opinion it’s a disgrace y’all do not have it already.

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Responses

Response from Valerie Buić, Chief Executive, Executive, Child and Adolescent Health Service last month
Valerie Buić
Chief Executive, Executive,
Child and Adolescent Health Service
Submitted on 26/03/2026 at 10:08 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 10:08 AM


picture of Valerie Buić

Dear Starbursts

Thank you for sharing the details of your experience. What you have described is very distressing and I am truly sorry that you did not feel safe, respected, and supported whilst receiving care at the Perth Children’s Hospital.

Since that time, I can advise that the Child and Adolescent Health Service has undertaken significant work to strengthen and improve the safety and quality of mental health services provided to young people in our care. This includes a review and further refinement of procedures relating to patient‑to‑patient interactions to support a safer and more therapeutic environment for young people, as well as additional training for staff and security personnel in trauma‑informed practice, de‑escalation techniques, and respectful, inclusive care.

Please be assured that your voice is important, and your valued feedback will be used to further improve mental health services provided at the Child and Adolescent Health Service. Should you like to discuss your experience further or request a formal review, we encourage you to contact the Child and Family Liaison Service by phone on 6456 0032 or by email at CAHSFeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Thank you again for sharing your experience and bringing your concerns to our attention.

Kind regards

Valerie Buić

Chief Executive

Child and Adolescent Health Service

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