Policy framework

Mechanisms of early detection and signposting of young people facing health risks are widespread at different levels of power depending of the competences (youth welfare policies, education policies through the action of Centres for Psychological-Medical and Social Services, etc.). 

 

The decree of 20 December 2001 revised on July 2006 rules health promotion at school which includes the following missions: 

-    the implementation of health promotion programme and of a healthy school environment ; 

-    the medical follow-up which includes individual medical check-up and vaccination policy ; 

-    early detection of transmitted diseases and preventive medicine ; 

-    the collect of standardised healthcare data.  



Individual medical check-up is compulsory by decree. 



Medical Inspection at school was firstly introduced in 1964 through the Law of 21 March 1964. The vision was mainly centred on the fight against infectious diseases and the need for early detection of health risks. Since then, health conception has evolved towards a global approach which is health promotion according to the Birth and Childhood Office’s website. 



In mental health care policy, the stakeholder’s missions address, among others things, early detection, screening and guiding, and signposting of young people mental health risks. These are addressed in action 21 and 22 of the national plan 2015-2020. A specific attention is provided to nurseling, toddlers and preschool children (0 to 6) with a potential mental health risk. Cross-sectorial approach is mainly fostered. 

Stakeholders

Many stakeholders depending of different level of power and different Ministers take action in early detection and signposting of young people facing health risks. 

In the framework of the decree of 20 December 2001, the main stakeholders are Health Promotion Services at school and Centres for Psychological-Medical-Social Services. They are under the administrative supervision of the Birth and Childhood Office since the 6th reform of the State. 

Guidance to stakeholders

Local Centres for Health Promotion provide guidance to stakeholders which develops actions in the field of health promotion and preventive medicine (pedagogical tools, advices, training, etc.). 

There are 9 Centres in Wallonia and one for the French-speaking part of the Brussels Region. 

Target groups

There is no specific target group. Young people are reached via schools. 

Funding

The information is not available yet.