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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.