Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services

The mental health of children and adolescents has a profound effect on them as individuals, their futures and their families. Although severe mental illness is rare at this age, mental health problems are common. Children and families need the benefit of a team approach, involving community resources of health, social care and education.

What service is provided?

A multi-disciplinary, community-based therapeutic and assessment service that responds to the psychological and emotional needs of children and young people up to 18 years of age with mild to moderate mental health difficulties and forms part of a continuum of emotional health and wellbeing services in Gloucestershire. Specialist Tier 2 and Tier 3 CAMHS aims to see children as individuals, within a family and/or social context. It acknowledges the rights of parents and carers, and aims to involve them in the intervention process where appropriate. The Service adheres to the Health Advisory Service requirements, the Children's Act and the National Service Framework. It also aims to offer confidentiality in the context of safety for children.

The service aims to provide:

A multi-disciplinary, community-based therapeutic and assessment service that responds to the psychological and emotional needs of children and young people up to 18 years of age with mild to moderate mental health difficulties and forms part of a continuum of emotional health and wellbeing services in Gloucestershire.
A support service to children, young people and their families that is local, accessible and non-stigmatising in buildings that are appropriate and family friendly.
A Tier 2 or Tier 3 multidisciplinary mental health assessment of children, young people and families.
Effective, appropriate communication in relation to the child's care with other agencies and professionals as appropriate within the remit of consent to share procedures.
Targeted consultation, training and liaison to Tiers 1 and 2 of comprehensive CAMHS/Emotional Wellbeing Services, including professional carers.
Monitoring and review of care and care packages.
Opportunities for service user involvement in service design.
A culturally competent service and a multi-lingual service where possible.

Current Guidance and useful publications

Audit Commission. (1999) Children in Mind: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (national report).

Department of Health (2003) Every child matters London: Department of Health.

Department of Health (2004) National Service Framework for children, young people and maternity services Norwich: The Stationary Office Ltd.

Health Advisory Service (1995) Together we stand: The commissioning role and management of child and adolescent mental health services London: HMSO

Mental Health Foundation. (1999) Bright futures: promoting the mental health of children. London: The Mental Health Foundation.

Royal College of Psychiatrists (2005) Building and sustaining specialist CAMHS: consultation document. Editors: A York & C Lamb.

Legislation :
The Children Act
The Children Bill
Mental Health Act