According to the minister, this research shows the necessity of the program. “With the Connect program we want to prevent minor complaints or serious risks from evolving into serious psychological suffering,” says Crevits. “Better too early than too late is the motto here.” The minister also cites a new study by KU Leuven which shows that seven in ten young people do not seek help when they suffer from mental problems.
The six networks for mental health for children and young people (GGKJ) and the CGG work together in Flanders with the Connect program to detect problems in vulnerable children and young people at an early stage. The networks try to quickly respond to the needs of children and young people up to the age of 23 with psychological or psychiatric problems.