Agenda item

Doncaster Caring Growing Together theme

The Panel was provided with a presentation relating to tackling children and young people’s mental health.  Members were informed of progress made by the Taskforce established in September, 2014 to address how mental health services were organised, commissioned and provided.  The Future in Mind (2015) report set out principles that were fundamental to creating a system to support and Doncaster’s progress was outlined for each theme.

It was highlighted during discussion that:

·         one in ten children need support or treatment for mental health problems;

·         still a minority of children and young people have a diagnosis;

·         it can result in lower educational attainment in young people;

·         75%of mental health problems start by the age of 18;

·         Early intervention avoids young people falling into crisis;  and

·         There was a lot of need around emotional well-being;

Trailblazer (The Green Paper) – Doncaster had been selected to pilot the recommendation of this paper, one of 22 sites nationally, and would include the piloting of mental health support teams in mainstream and special educational needs schools, which should be fully operational by December 2019.  Staff training would be led nationally from February 2019. 

With regard to waiting times for a medical assessment, Doncaster was currently 34 days with the aim of achieving 28 days.

The Young Advisor confirmed that they had taken part in the Trailblazer campaign addressing the most appropriate type of information to be provided and on what platforms.

It was noted that the Trailblazer sites would have a mental health lead.

Improving Mental Health Assessment for Looked After Children (LAC): Pilot – Doncaster had also been selected as one of 9 sites nationally to pilot a new mental health assessment framework for LAC.  It was being led by The Anna Freud Centre and gave children and young people and providers the opportunity to directly influence and shape this framework.

Health Champions – It was confirmed that they held varying levels of expertise and training had been identified. 

Strategy Development – A young advisor stated how pleased she was when she learnt that this piece of work was being undertaken as it was still the most important issue that young people felt they faced.  However, reassurance was sought that it was being carried out at a people level ensuring they received the correct help, rather than high level showin numbers in documents.

Children’s Plan – the Young Advisors had been holding interviews and developed a report to be presented to the Director and Cabinet Member identifying gaps in service.

Access to support – A 24/7 All Age Crisis telephone line was available, however, a Member stressed that young people may not like to use the phone, but prefer different options, including texting or online chat and asked that this be taken into consideration.  It was highlighted that positive quotes could be posted in bite size pieces because this is what young people would respond to.

It was acknowledged that this was a fair point and an area that would be investigated.  It was outlined that not many telephone calls had been received and was an area that was being addressed.

With regard to pastoral care, concern was expressed with regard to the inconsistency of access to services across the Borough, but it was stressed that partners would know they were doing a good job when the service was being openly discussed.  It was stressed that Members needed to know how they could signpost people to access the services they require.

RESOLVED:  That the discussion be noted and the increased use of modern technology be investigated to reach young people more easily.