Agenda item

[To receive the Wolverhampton Children and Young People in Care Health Annual Report 2019 – 2020.]

Fiona Brennan, Designated Nurse for Children and Young People in Care and Wendy Harrison-Frazer, Consultant Counselling Psychologist for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) presented the Wolverhampton Children and Young People in Care Health Annual Report and highlighted salient points. The report summarised the key areas of development and outcomes achieved by local health service providers during the identified time frame and provide assurance.

In addition to the information within the report, there had been no reported changes to the offer for CAMHS however the pandemic and lockdown had changed the format of delivery. Many young people were being seen via virtual means however other cases were seen in person where appropriate.

In response to a query around how accurate video assessments were in comparison to face to face, it was noted that face to face was preferable to gain the additionality of reading body language or eye contact and a virtual conversation could not replace an examination. All appointments were triaged, RAG rated and risk assessed to determine if they needed to be seen face to face. It was agreed that in some cases, a virtual appointment was better than none.

In respect of the 3% refusal rate figures, it was acknowledged that it was sometimes unknown specifically why young people did not wish to engage. Efforts were always increased to try and reach out but sometimes it had to be accepted that it was their choice. In terms of CAMHS appointment cancellations, it was noted that these were still high but not high as previously due to the use of virtual assessments.

It was noted that all appointments recorded as ‘did not attend’ or DNA were flagged with social workers to then communicate with foster carers and find out reasons why children were not being brought to appointments and resolve the issue. It was noted that the decision that CAMHS cases would be closed following three missed appointments, however this was no longer the case as it was agreed that it was not the child’s doing and the carers needed to hold accountability for ensuring children had access to their appointments.

The work undertaken by health partners and the provision of extra was commended, particularly under such difficult circumstances.

Resolved:

That the Wolverhampton Children and Young People in Care Health Annual Report 2019 – 2020 be received.