Legal News

A report into mental health services for looked after children – for which Essex County Council provided written and oral evidence – has found that nearly half of children in care have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with looked after children four times more likely than their non-looked after peers to have a mental health condition.

Essex County Council has welcomed the publication of the report by the House of Commons Education Select Committee, which also found that looked after children can face significant challenges in accessing mental health support.

The report has made a number of recommendations about the care of looked after children, including looked after children having priority access to mental health assessments by specialist practitioners – and access to Children’s and Adolescents’ Mental Health Services (CAMHS) being made available to young people beyond the age of 18 and up to the age of 25, where appropriate.

The report also suggests that, where possible, education, health and social care should work in partnership to provide seamless and joined up support for vulnerable children – and more support should be given to schools, to ensure that teachers and schools are better equipped to identify, assess and support children and young people with mental health difficulties.

Councillor Butland said:

“I very much welcome the recommendations of this report, which I believe will make a real difference to children in care.

“I hope that ministers take on board the committee’s recommendations –I would also like to extend an invitation to the Education Committee to come down to Essex and see some of the pioneering work around children’s mental health and wellbeing that is being implemented here.”

In January 2016, the Essex, Southend and Thurrock Collaborative Forum for CAMHS launched Open Up, Reach Out – a transformation plan for the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Over the next five years, the plan will improve access and equality in children’s mental health, making it easier for patients to obtain help from one service, by working together with the NHS and all local authorities across Essex – and by building resilience in the community.

Essex County Council says that an additional £3 million will be invested in the local system for emotional wellbeing and mental health, from early help through to extra support for those with acute mental health needs.

Regardless of where people live in Essex – and whether they a young person, teacher or parent – everyone will be able to access the same service as a result of the plan.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.

For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.