Remaining Mindful about Children and Young People

Abstract

This chapter aims to give an overview of key mental health policy and service provision, highlighting the need for specific attention to Black and minority ethnic children and young people. The focus is on mental health provision in the UK provided through the statutory sector and the voluntary and community sector, the issues raised are likely to have resonance across wider geographic locations. The themes examined include: the relevance of terminology regarding race and ethnicity and related impact on the planning and provision of services; the extent to which policy and commissioning of services give due focus and attention to the mental health of Black and minority ethnic children and young people; views young people themselves have contributed on the issue; and a case study illustrating work being undertaken to redress some of the imbalances encountered by young people in accessing appropriate support. The chapter argues that the supply chain to young people receiving support that is relevant and appropriate to their needs is a long and complex one. It is fundamental to take a holistic approach and consider how the components of this chain impact specifically on the mental health of children and young people from Black and minority ethnic communities. Glossary Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) – This term refers to all services that work with children and young people to address their behavioural and emotional wellbeing needs. The services may be provided by the National Health Service (NHS), local authority, school, private sector or charitable organisation and span early intervention support through to specialist treatment. Care Quality Commission – The independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Commissioning – The process by which health services are procured and should be based on an up-to-date assessment and understanding of needs of the target population. Co-production – A process for planning and delivery of health and social care services that involves partnership working and power sharing between those responsible for the planning and provision of services, service users, their family members, carers and other citizens. National Service Framework – Ten year programmes that, until the health and social care reforms started in 2010, defined standards of care in the NHS including measurable goals within set timeframes. Population Needs Assessments – The collection and study of relevant data to understand and estimate current and future needs of a population in order to inform the planning of services that meet identified needs. Voluntary and Community Sector – Also referred to as the Third Sector and encompassing a diverse range of organisations, services and groups that are seen as distinct from the public (also referred to as statutory) and private sectors. Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services (YIACS) – Most YIACS have charitable status and provide services to young people on a range of issues, a key feature associated with YIACS is the provision of holistic, young person centred support provided under one roof.