Non-participation in education, employment, and training among young people accessing youth mental health services: demographic and clinical correlates

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate participation in employment, education, or training among a national cohort of young people presenting to youth-specific mental health services across Australia, and identify the key demographic and clinical correlates of non-participation.Method: Clinician and self-reported demographic and clinical characteristics were ascertained for 57,644 young people aged 15-25 years presenting to a national youth-specific mental health service between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2015, including level of participation in education, employment, or training in four categories (not participating, not in the labour force, partial participation, and full participation).Results: The results showed that these young people are very vulnerable to non-participation in employment, education or training. Characteristics most strongly associated with non-participation were being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, male, homeless, diagnosed with a substance use disorder, or having a neurodevelopmental disorder in young adulthood.Discussion: The results extend understanding of the major risk factors associated with non-participation in employment, education, or training for help-seeking young people. Distinct patterns emerged across the three non-participation groups suggesting that support must be tailored to individual needs. Supporting those who experience mental illness to re-engage is essential to buffer against the long-term impacts. Holistic, integrated services that can incorporate mental health and vocational services are crucial for prevention, early intervention, and treatment.