Lay summary
Maori are statistically likely to be high users of child and adolescent mental health services. This project will explore Maori perspectives on engagement at an urban child and adolescent mental health service setting with a focus on the initial assessment intervention phase of therapy. The research will investigate best practice for engaging whanau Maori in child and adolescent mental health services and will be based within He Kaakano, a Maori team at Whirinaki the Counties Manukau District Health Board Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Interviews will be conducted to gain whanau perspectives on engagement. The project will look in depth at the models of engagement currently being implemented by He Kaakano team members and other key informants. Results will be used to inform the development of frameworks to guide culturally responsive service provision for Maori children and their whanau in child and adolescent mental health services, particularly in urban settings.