Addressing the mental health needs of children with a social worker

Abstract

Children and young people with a social worker (CYPwSW) have particular mental health profiles and needs. Research indicates that despite having higher levels of mental health distress this group tend to experience inequitable access to specialist mental health services. Therefore, much of their mental health support currently falls to generalists including paediatricians. We are currently undertaking a four-year study the CAMHS Referrals and Outcomes for Adolescents and Children with Social Workers (COACHES). Here we present initial insights from an analysis of 20,166 unique case notes which identified 1) High thresholds for entry to CAMHS 2) A requirement that young people must be perceived as stable prior to accessing services 3) that young people often did not feel that their voices were taken seriously 4) the importance of time for trust. Based off these findings and expert-by-experience's insights, we conclude by suggesting ways that paediatricians and health care professionals can best support CYPwSW. These include being the ‘connective tissue’ around young people's support network, gently and proactively building relationships, redressing power imbalances and supporting transitions to adulthood.