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Interprofessional perspectives on transitional mental health services for young people aged 16-19 years
- Authors:
- RICHARDS Maxine, VOSTANIS Panos
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interprofessional Care, 18(2), May 2004, pp.115-128.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This qualitative study investigated the need for transitional mental health services for young people aged 16 - 19 years in a health district, as perceived by professionals from mental health, social, education and non-statutory services. Semi-structured interviews with 39 managers and practitioners who planned or provided services for this age range, from a wide range of agencies, explored issues related to older adolescents' needs, service communication, transfer arrangements, current gaps, and recommendations. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and themes emerged according to grounded theory. The four identified themes, with 21 categories, were: older adolescents have multi-faceted needs; statutory mental health services are not geared towards this age group; communication between services is variable; and there are no formal transfer arrangements from child to adult services. The findings support the need for specialist transitional services, and the adoption of an interprofessional service model incorporating education, social services and non-statutory agencies.
The health needs of children aged 6-12 years in foster care
- Authors:
- ANDERSON Lisa, VOSTANIS Panos, SPENCER Nick
- Journal article citation:
- Adoption and Fostering, 28(3), Autumn 2004, pp.31-41.
- Publisher:
- Sage
It is well established that looked after children have high levels of health needs that are not usually met by existing services. This article reports on a study that aimed to establish the perceptions of health needs among children aged 6-12 years and their foster carers. Fifty-six children and their carers from two local authorities completed a health checklist, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Despite their young age, children were broadly aware of what constitutes and promotes good health. In contrast, they gave a range of definitions of mental illness. Children were reported to be registered with general practitioners and to be up to date with immunisations, while their contacts with primary and specialist health services were related to a variety of relatively minor problems. High levels of mental health issues were established among this group, which were significantly associated with recent admission to public care and short-term placements. The findings are discussed in the context of guidelines on the health assessment of looked after children and the need for development of accessible and designated mental health services.