Adoption and Fostering, 25(2), Summer 2001, pp.70-71.
Publisher:
Sage
Young people who are looked after, especially in residential units, have more general health and mental health problems, and lower rates of immunisation when compared with their age-matched peers. Reports a brief report on a project to improve health outcomes as outlined by Children First (Welsh Office, 1999). The project was targeted at young people looked after in the five residential units in Cardiff, and those recognised by social services as being particularly in need.
Young people who are looked after, especially in residential units, have more general health and mental health problems, and lower rates of immunisation when compared with their age-matched peers. Reports a brief report on a project to improve health outcomes as outlined by Children First (Welsh Office, 1999). The project was targeted at young people looked after in the five residential units in Cardiff, and those recognised by social services as being particularly in need.
Subject terms:
looked after children, mental health problems, residential child care, young people, assessment, children, foster care, foster children, health education, health needs;
Adoption and Fostering, 25(3), Autumn 2001, pp.29-38.
Publisher:
Sage
The direct work integral to making assessments of looked after children is usually complex and may well require referral to specialist services. Explores some key factors in facilitating such specialist assessments in the context of child and adolescent mental health services. Among issues highlighted are: the importance of understanding the context of the request for an assessment; the need for thorough and sensitive preparation before each session, including the presence of a supportive carer; and the need for continuity and consistency throughout the assessment process. A case example, taken from a wider study of siblings in foster care, is used to illustrate the discussion.
The direct work integral to making assessments of looked after children is usually complex and may well require referral to specialist services. Explores some key factors in facilitating such specialist assessments in the context of child and adolescent mental health services. Among issues highlighted are: the importance of understanding the context of the request for an assessment; the need for thorough and sensitive preparation before each session, including the presence of a supportive carer; and the need for continuity and consistency throughout the assessment process. A case example, taken from a wider study of siblings in foster care, is used to illustrate the discussion.
Subject terms:
mental health, looked after children, mental health problems, needs, placement, siblings, adoption, assessment, carers, case studies, child and adolescent mental health services, child care, children, foster care;
Adoption and Fostering, 25(4), Winter 2001, pp.27-38.
Publisher:
Sage
Two recent studies by Glasgow researchers have highlighted the high level of emotional and behaviourial difficulties experienced by looked after children. One was a survey of children entering the care system (Dimigen et al, 1999) while the other was a randomised controlled trial of a training programme for foster carers. The survey was carried out in Glasgow, while the trial was carried out across another part of the Central Belt of Scotland. Despite their different designs and geographical areas, the two studies came up with complementary results. The results are synthesised in this article and are used to argue that practitioners need to take a fresh look at mental health services for looked after children and the assessments which should determine what these children need.
Two recent studies by Glasgow researchers have highlighted the high level of emotional and behaviourial difficulties experienced by looked after children. One was a survey of children entering the care system (Dimigen et al, 1999) while the other was a randomised controlled trial of a training programme for foster carers. The survey was carried out in Glasgow, while the trial was carried out across another part of the Central Belt of Scotland. Despite their different designs and geographical areas, the two studies came up with complementary results. The results are synthesised in this article and are used to argue that practitioners need to take a fresh look at mental health services for looked after children and the assessments which should determine what these children need.
Subject terms:
looked after children, mental health problems, mental health services, needs, randomised controlled trials, residential care, self-esteem, social care provision, surveys, young people, assessment, attachment, children, conduct disorders, depression, emotions, foster care;