Agenda item

[To consider the 2014/15 Annual Report of the CAMHS in relation to Looked After Children – September 2014 – August 2015]

Wendy Harrison-Frazer, Crisis Team Manager, Black Country Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, presented the Looked After Children – Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Annual Report.

Cllr Peter O’Neill expressed concern with regard to the average waiting time between referral and first contact. The Crisis Team Manager advised that the average waiting time compared very favourably against other CAMHS teams. The Service Director, Children and Young People reported that national guidance indicated that the waiting time between referral and the first contact was 18 weeks whilst the average waiting time in Wolverhampton was nine and half weeks. The Crisis Team Manager explained that each case was treated on its merits and some cases would be seen within 24/48 hours of referral.

Cllr Julie Hodgkiss enquired what action was taken in the case of a crisis situation occurring. She opined that just because the performance in Wolverhampton was better than that in other areas and below the national guidance did not necessarily mean that it was satisfactory. The Crisis Team Manager explained that in the event of a crisis situation occurring the Crisis Team would respond immediately. Cllr Julie Hodgkiss queried who would provide the continuity of care in the event that a Looked After Child was removed from a Foster Carer. The Service Director, Children and Young People reported that the child would maintain its relationship with the Designated Social Worker. She explained that this would continue even if the child was admitted to Tier 4 accommodation which could be anywhere in the country given the lack of available places. The Crisis Team Manager added that in the case of a breakdown in a relationship the association with CAMHS would continue if the placement was within 20 miles of Wolverhampton.

Cllr Julie Hodgkiss reminded the Board that the Children in Care Council had raised the issue previously of continuity of care if a Looked After Child was in hospital. Alison Hinds, Head of Looked After Children reported that in such a case the Foster Carer would be expected to undertake hospital visits. The Crisis Team Manager commented that hospitalisation was avoided if at all possible.

Cllr Rita Potter enquired if a crisis situation occurred who determined whether the situation was urgent. The Crisis Team Manager reported that the CAMHS Team would determine the urgency of the situation and would respond right away if appropriate. The Service Director, Children and Young People advised that such a decision would be made in consultation with the Social Worker and the Carer. The Crisis Team Manager added that the breakdown of a relationship was not necessarily as a result of mental health issues.

Cllr Peter O’Neill enquired whether the Foster Carer Allowance would be stopped if a child was admitted to hospital. The Service Director, Children and Young People responded that this depended on the individual case and the anticipated length of stay in hospital. This issue was addressed in the Standard Operating Procedures and were reviewed on a case by case basis.

Cllr Julie Hodgkiss asked as to the present position with the use of Police cells in the event that no suitable places were available in mental health establishments. The Crisis Team Manager confirmed that the use of Police cells was no longer permitted. She explained that in the event of the Police being called to an incident involving a young person with a suspected mental health issue CAMHS would be contacted and a street triage service would be initiated which would prevent further Police involvement. This service was considered to be a model of good practice.

Resolved:

That the report be received and noted.