680Constitution and appointment of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board

680 Constitution and appointment of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board

(1) The Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board is constituted by 7 to 9 directors.

(2) The directors of the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board must—

(a) be appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister; and

(b) include—

(i) at least 2 young persons who identify as experiencing, or as having experienced mental illness or psychological distress and who have an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of people living with mental illness or psychological distress; and

(ii) one young person who identifies as caring for or supporting, or having cared for or supported, a person with mental illness or psychological distress and who has an understanding of the diverse needs of families, carers and supporters of people living with mental illness or psychological distress—

which may inform their decisions as a Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board member; and

(c) one member of the Centre Board.

See definition of Centre Board in section 3(1).

(3) In making a recommendation to the Governor in Council for the appointment of a member to the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board—

(a) the Minister must ensure that, for the purposes of subsection (2)(b)(ii), at least one member has the relevant lived experience but other persons are not excluded from appointment only because they identify as caring for or supporting, or having cared for or supported, a person with mental illness or psychological distress; and

(b) the Minister must have regard to the need for members of the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board—

(i) to have experience, skills or knowledge that are relevant to the functions of the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Board; and

(ii) to collectively have understanding and experience of—

(A) the diverse needs of Aboriginal communities, the importance of self-determination, the importance of connection to culture, family, community and Country and the importance of culturally responsive, safe and appropriate services; and

(B) the diverse backgrounds and needs of persons using mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria, including age, disability, neurodiversity, culture, language, communication, religion, race, gender identity and sexual orientation; and

(c) the Minister must have regard to any other prescribed matters.