The Cusp program is a child/young people focused, family centred and strengths-based program that aims to improve mental health outcomes for vulnerable children and young people aged 5 to 18.

It’s estimated that one in four children have a mental health condition. Without the right support, this can impact their learning, development, relationships and success throughout their life. By supporting your child to develop strategies for managing challenging and stressful situations, Cusp can help them build lifelong resiliency.

The best time to act is now

Half of all mental health challenges begin before the age of fourteen. That makes early intervention during childhood critical in helping your child navigate their emotions and develop stress management strategies.

Through the Cusp program, a Wanslea worker will help you and your child develop a Family Action Plan. We will support them in setting personal goals, building upon their existing strengths and motivations, and devising new strategies to manage challenges and reduce their vulnerabilities. This work will be done in partnership with a parent, guardian or significant supportive adult in a safe and secure environment.

Who can apply for Cusp?

Cusp is available to residents of the City of Gosnells, City of Armadale or City of Wanneroo, who are aged between 5 and 18 and vulnerable to or experiencing the early stages of a mental health condition. Participation in Cusp is voluntary, and both the child and their parent or guardian must be willing to work in partnership with Wanslea. The child or young person cannot be under a current protection order (time-limited or until 18 years) held by the Department of Communities.

Coen’s story

Coen* was unsettled and moody. He wasn’t coping well with his parent’s separation and his mother’s mental health. When he and his mother met Lucy from Wanslea, things started to change. Lucy taught Coen how to manage his feelings and gave him strategies to handle new or challenging situations. She gave Coen and his mum new resources to help both of them. They appreciated that she was always flexible about when and where they met because it meant Coen’s mum didn’t have to change her work hours. They hadn’t had that kind of support from a service before. Coen was sad when his sessions came to an end. He was grateful to have spoken to Lucy, and it felt good to have someone who was there for him, whom he trusted.

*Name changed

How to access support

1. Contact us

If you have any questions about Cusp, please contact us.

2. Complete a referral

Once you are ready to apply, please complete a referral form. Parents, agencies or schools can refer a child or young person, or they can self-refer.

3. We’ll be in touch

Once we’ve received and reviewed your referral, we’ll be in touch to provide more information about the program and to arrange a meeting.