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Looked after children have trouble accessing mental health services even though they are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, according to a new report, writes Katie Leason.

A lack of advocacy and no person to confide in can stop looked after children from receiving the support they need, and physical and mental health problems can easily be missed in those who are moved several times while they are being looked after.

The report by the Mental Health Foundation says there are significant hurdles to receiving help from child and adolescent mental health services, and calls for a change to the referral process so that looked after children can access services more easily.

"Even if a young person has someone to turn to or someone spots that they are having difficulties, then many still have to see a sympathetic GP before they can be referred to specialist services.

"Then, assuming they do get onto a CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) waiting list, they may well have moved to a different foster or residential placement, or even out of local authority care by the time their appointment comes up," it says.

Ruth Lesirge, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said that a different way of working is needed. "We need to consider a fast-track referral system for looked after children so that access to mental health services is not necessarily via GPs, but also via staff in other agencies.

"In some areas social workers are able to refer looked after young people directly to child and adolescent mental health services," she said.

The report recommends that a central CAMHS database should be set up "as a matter of urgency" so that it is clear what services are available and where.

The report claims that a proper system of early mental health intervention for looked after children and young people is needed, which also includes those who have been adopted.

Social workers should ensure that all young people are registered with a GP within 24 hours of placement, and health care records should stay with the young person while they are being looked after, even when they move placements. The uptake and delivery of annual medical assessments must improve, and services should be delivered in a "more sensitive, age-appropriate way that promotes choice".
It also suggests that child protection staff should have specialist mental health training, and that mental health services should offer regular advice and consultation sessions locally to social workers, teachers, and foster carers. Each local authority should have access to two designated doctors and nurses who are experienced in the mental health of looked after children.

A summary of the 'The Mental Health Needs of Looked After Children' can be downloaded by clicking here

A full copy of the report is available under 'what's new' at  www.mentalhealth.org.uk