Abstract
This paper describes the characteristics of referrals to a new direct access child mental health service for young people in the care of the local authority, during the first six months (n=32). Consistent problems emerged within four areas: their histories within the care service (n=18, 56% had had at least one more previous placement); their individual experiences of abuse (n=23, 72%) and the lack of mental health support provided to redress this; their overall poor educational status; and the psychopathology evident at the time of referral (n=29, 91% had ICD–10 diagnoses, mainly mixed depressive conduct disorders).
Highlights
56% had had at least one more previous placement); their individual experiences of abuse (n=23, 72%) and the lack of mental health support provided to redress this; their overall poor educational status; and the psychopathology evident at the time of referral (n=29, 91% had ICD-10 diagnoses, mainly mixed depressive conduct disorders)
It was decided to define the common charac teristics among the referrals made. These were yfoouunndg ptoersfoalnl'swhitihsitnoryfowurithminainthecactaergeornieetsw: otrhke; history of previous abuse experienced and what services had been available to them; their educational status; and their mental state findings and diagnosis
Eight (25%) of the adolescents were on care orders, the rest were accommodated C(vhoilludnretanr'sy Aadcmt i1s9si8o9n.s)Fouurntedeenr (S4e4c%tio)nhad20 hoadf thneo more than one previous placement in care
Summary
This paper describes the characteristics of referrals to a new direct access child mental health service for young people in the care of the local authority, during the first six months (n=32). A mental health service for children in care was set up in Birmingham in 1995. It aims to provide assessment and brief psychosocial interventions as well as diversion to long er-term services. It aims to provide support and advice for staff and families working with these youngsters. By providing assessments on the mental health needs of these young people at the time of aadgmenicsiseison ininvtoolvceadrei,nit tihsehoypoeudngit wpeilrlshoenl'ps octhaerer plan
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