Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Thirty-Seventh Report - Support for vulnerable adolescents
Public Accounts Committee
HC 730
Published 22 February 2023
Conclusions (4)
9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Activities to support vulnerable adolescents cut across at least seven different government departments.16 The Department for Education confirmed to us that it is ultimately responsible for ‘holding the ring’ on vulnerable adolescents and has an overarching responsibility for children and young people.17 It told us its overarching responsibility should not …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges its leadership role through the Vulnerable Children and Families Strategy Board, which aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We were told government’s approach is to meet the need of many young people through focusing on individual programmes and focusing their join up on those who have complex and overlapping needs.22 The NAO found that while departments work together on individual programmes and initiatives there is no overall assessment …
Government Response Summary
The government states that single needs are best met through focused services, and overlapping needs are addressed through systems like Children’s Social Care, Family Hubs, and Supporting Families.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The three statutory partners (police, health, and local authorities) of multi-agency safeguarding partnerships’ have a shared and equal duty to protect children and young people. We asked who in the system has responsibility for children who fall through the gaps or for identifying overlaps. The Department for Education told us …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the shared duty of police, health, and local authorities in safeguarding partnerships, highlighting commitments to strengthen multi-agency arrangements and rolling out responses to reviews and exploring how education can be strengthened, including consulting on whether or how it should become a safeguarding partner.
17
Conclusion
Acknowledged
In 2021, a NHS survey showed nearly 1 in 5 of 6- to 16-year-olds in England had a probable mental health disorder. The survey also found that almost 40% had experienced a deterioration in mental health since 2017 and 13.5% of 11- to 16-year-olds felt their lives had been made …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concern about waiting times for children's mental health support and the high proportion of adolescent girls seeking help, referring to NHS England's consultation and guidance on waiting time standards.