Prime Minister Golob at the first meeting of the Focal group for comprehensive treatment of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour

The Focal group is headed by Dr Vesna Švab, a full professor at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ljubljana, a long-time president and co-founder of the Šent Slovenian Association for Mental Health, and a member of the Advisory Group on Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use at the World Health Organisation (WHO). The deputy head of the Focal group is Dr Leonida Zalokar, Director of the Planina Residential Treatment Institution, and the Focal group's Secretariat is coordinated by Simona Pirnat Skeledžija from the Prime Minister's Office.

The Focal group is composed of the representatives of key ministries (for labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities, justice, health, education and solidarity-based future), the Prime Minister's Office, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), expert public, civil society and users (representatives of parents), the Human Rights Ombudsman and, if appropriate, external experts. The Focal group will meet monthly, and depending on the topics discussed, the relevant ministries and other relevant organisations will also be invited to participate. This approach enables operational, transparent and responsive action, which is crucial for providing effective support to children, adolescents and their environment.

At the meeting, the members of the Focal group approved the agenda, presented their past work and competencies to date, and discussed a proposal for an interdisciplinary approach to treating children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour.

They concluded that sufficient data and experience exist to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the situation. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for immediate, coordinated and interdisciplinary measures as well as the establishment of effective coordination and cooperation between all stakeholders. Based on existing data, the group will prepare the starting points for developing a comprehensive approach and a proposal for actionable measures.

The first meeting closed with the adoption of five key conclusions:

1. A representative of children and adolescents will also be involved in the work of the Focal group to present the views of the targeted group.

2. All meeting participants will prepare:

• A report on previous work carried out in this area (working groups, conclusions, consultation session results, planned measures),
• A review of existing services, programmes and good practices in the field of prevention, promotion and treatment of children and adolescents in all sectors, including any evaluations – sets of good practices.

3. The collected data will be used to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the situation that will serve as a basis for the assessment of needs and the preparation of further steps and measures for their achievement.

4. The group highlights that children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour include those who hurt others and those who hurt themselves. They must be offered integrated programmes, with a special emphasis on those allowing a quick assessment of the situation and immediate interdisciplinary treatment.

5. The coordinator of government materials will be the Ministry of Education.

The aim of the Focus group is to ensure a coordinated inter-ministerial approach, draft legislative and systemic solutions, monitor the implementation of measures and give recommendations, strengthen support for professionals, families and schools, and prepare analyses, reports and expert opinions for the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.