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The strengths and difficulties questionnaire: a useful screening tool to identify mental health strengths and needs in looked after children and inform care plans at looked after children reviews?
- Authors:
- WHYTE Stewart, CAMPBELL Anne
- Journal article citation:
- Child Care in Practice, 14(2), April 2008, pp.193-206.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The mental health of Looked After Children is not routinely assessed either upon entering the care system or during their period in care. Many children only receive help when difficulties become entrenched and more intensive treatment is required. Often this occurs when placements are fragile or have broken down. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) 2007 Consultation Paper “Care Matters in Northern Ireland - A Bridge to a Better Future” has recommended “systematic assessment of the psychological and emotional needs of children on the edge and LAC”. This paper outlines the findings of three focus groups with social workers and managers following Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) screening of a sample of Looked After Children within four generic childcare teams and a team for children with special needs in Homefirst Community Trust in Northern Ireland. Participants reflected on the usefulness of the SDQ in identifying mental health strengths and difficulties to inform decision-making at Looked After Children Reviews. Participants recommended that routine SDQ screening is undertaken with all Looked After Children, with early intervention provided to children identified with some mental health difficulties and prioritisation of children with significant need. The usefulness of SDQ identification of child strengths as a foundation for promoting resilience in Looked After Children was also recognised. Recommendations were also made regarding specific service provision for Looked After Children and training for field social workers, link social workers and carers.