Training in child and adolescent psychiatry follows an apprenticeship model with extensive, well supervised clinical and research experience as its foundation. Because child and adolescent psychiatrists work in complex environments with multiple patients, they require a broad appreciation of developmental, biological, psychological and socio-cultural issues affecting infants, children, adolescents and families
Thorough knowledge and careful use of the principles of evidence-based practice and outcome evaluation must be accompanied by a humane and ethical approach to the children, adolescents and families seeking care. Emphasis is given to research driven data and methods of practice, and registrars are encouraged to reflect on the culture of child psychiatry and to examine historical continuities and discontinuities with the present understanding of child psychiatry.