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Emotional well-being and mental health of looked after children in England
- Authors:
- MCAULEY Colette, DAVIS Teresa
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Family Social Work, 14(2), May 2009, pp.147-155.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article examines the evidence on prevalence of mental health problems amongst looked after children in England. In previous national prevalence studies forty-five per cent of looked after children in England were found to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. In contrast, this is to one in 10 in the general population. Carers estimated that mental health problems were even more widespread. Children with mental health disorders were also more likely to have education, health and social issues. This paper discusses the findings and argues for early intervention along with inter-departmental and interdisciplinary approaches. The recent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Review clearly indicates that issues of access to appropriate and timely Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services remain. However, the introduction of evidence-based approaches is encouraging. Young people's views on the services they want and on what is important for emotional well-being and mental health are important considerations.
The mental health of looked after children: challenges for CAMHS provision
- Authors:
- MCAULEY Colette, YOUNG Ciara
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Practice, 20(1), March 2006, pp.91-103.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Recent prevalence studies in Great Britain have revealed that children who are looked after are almost five times more likely to have a mental disorder than children in the general population. Looked after children are already vulnerable to developing mental health problems by the time they become looked after. They are more likely to come from disadvantaged families where social/environmental risks are present. Many have lived in families where there has been mental illness, alcohol/drug misuse or domestic violence. A large proportion of children who now enter the care system have experienced abuse and/or neglect. The care experience itself and, in particular, the high rate of placement instability, may also contribute to this vulnerability. This article examines issues relating to the vulnerability of looked after children to mental health problems before examining the findings from the prevalence studies. Current child and adolescent service provision and, in particular, the challenges of developing services which meet the needs of looked after children, are then considered. Finally issues related to therapeutic work are highlighted.
Pathways and outcomes: a ten year follow up study of children who have experienced care
- Author:
- MCAULEY Colette
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 16p
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This small study traced a cohort of 19 young people who had lengthy care experience in Northern Ireland and who had taken part in an earlier study. Sixteen agreed to participate in the follow-up study. They were aged between 17 and 24 years at the time of interview. With their consent, file searches were also carried out. The study was funded by the DHSSPS and HPSS Boards. These young people had been the subject of an earlier study of primary school aged children entering planned long term foster care placements. The cohort was drawn from the four Boards’ areas and consisted of all children aged four to eleven who were being placed in new, planned long term foster placements in a seven month period between 1988 and 1989. At the time of these placements, the children had a history of considerable trauma and adversity and there were concerns about their adjustment and development. At follow up, the young people were keen to share their views and pleased that the Department was interested in what had happened to them. The file searches focused upon progress and outcomes in the seven developmental areas covered in LAC review forms namely mental health, emotional, social and behavioural development, family and social relationships; education; physical health and development; self-esteem, identity, social presentation and self care skills.