Agenda item

To report on CAMHS services for BAME young people and, in particular, those who come into contact with youth justice services.

Catherine Swaile, Vulnerable Children and Young People’s Joint Commissioning Manager at Haringey Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), reported that the data from within report had been compiled from data from the CAMHS caseload.  It was acknowledged that a more consistent way of recording ethnicity was required.  The Panel noted that direct referrals could be made from schools.  In addition, there was also the new Choices service, which parents could access on their own if necessary.  CAMHS worked very closely with the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and there was also an outreach service that included provision for home visits.  A proactive approach was taken and services can be adapted to the needs of young people. 

The “Choices” service provided universal access and dealt with a range of issues to do with emotional wellbeing, mental health issues and concerns around behaviour.  A single meeting was offered and, following this, referral was made to other services, if required.  Psychological therapies were also provided and these could be accessed via GPs.  For higher levels of need, Simmons House and the Beacons Unit provided in-patient care where necessary. 

She stated that patterns of BAME referrals had not been analysed yet.  However, the majority of the borough’s population was now BAME.  Haringey was characterised by comparatively high levels of referrals for conduct disorders but lower levels of eating disorders.  Take up of services was lower in the east of the borough than the west despite there possibly being a greater level of need. 

In answer to a question, she stated that there had been considerable publicity for the Choices service.  It had begun operating in October.  Work had also taken place with faith groups and a pilot service had begun in a local synagogue.  She agreed to find out further information regarding provision for girls and LGBT.  She also agreed to look at the feasibility of publicising the service through Haringey People. 

She reported that there was a lack of suitable emergency accommodation for young people in crisis and that A&E had to be used as Police cells were not suitable.  Young people who had been arrested had access to liaison and diversion services and these were linked to the Council’s Youth Justice Service.  The Big White Wall website was a useful resource for young people in dealing with emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression. Psychological therapies were also available for young people and provided by Open Door in Haringey. 

In respect of the increase in primary school exclusions, Mr Abbey reported that this had been raised with primary school Head Teachers and at the Schools Forum.  The Joint Health and Well Being Board was also looking at the issue.  The increased exclusion rate was very worrying and there was a need to intervene at an earlier stage, before CAMHS became involved.  Exclusion tended to exacerbate issues but schools were often under pressure and had funding issues in respect of providing the level of support that might be required. 

AGREED:

That the CCG be requested to circulate further information to the Panel regarding provision for girls and LGBT young people and to look at the feasibility of publicising the Choices service through Haringey People.