The federal government will provide $12.3 million funding for two Kids Hubs for early intervention and mental health support.

The first hub will be located at the Marion GP Plus Health Centre in Oaklands Park, with outreach services at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre to provide access for children and families in the outer southern metropolitan region.

Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing care for children under 12, and their families, experiencing mild to moderate mental health, functional, behavioural or emotional challenges.

Children will not need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care.

The Marion Kids Hub is due to open by the end of the year.

The second SA Kids Hub will be established in northern Adelaide at a site to be confirmed. They are being delivered through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

The South Australian Kids Hubs were a commitment made at the last federal election.

The federal government is providing $84.85 million, working with all states and territories to create a national network of 17 Kids Hubs across Australia by 30 June 2026. So far nine Kids Hubs operate in other states.

Health Minister Mark Butler says the Marion Kids Hub is good news for families in southern Adelaide who have a child struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

“Families will be able to get the wraparound care they need – delivered locally and free by a team of experts.”

 He says mental health is a key part of the government’s Strengthening Medicare agenda.

“A stronger Medicare means better access to mental health services.”