Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 48
48
Accepted
Mental health support for children in care is currently falling far short of needs.
Conclusion
Children in care have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect, and they are over four times more likely to suffer from emotional or mental health problems than their peers. It is therefore essential that there is a strong system in place to support them. Currently, the support available is falling far short of what is needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 120)
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the critical need for mental health support, detailing commitments to pilot multi-disciplinary approaches in 2025-26, review and update statutory guidance on health and wellbeing for looked-after children, expand the mental health workforce by 8,500 staff, and fund a training pilot for mental health support teams.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We recognise the importance of prioritising mental health support for children in care and care leavers. Working with DHSC, NHSE, and MoJ, we are piloting a multi-disciplinary approach within the South-East Regional Care Co-operative in 2025–26 to explore effective models for assessing need and coordinating treatment and placement decisions. Insights from this work will inform future pilots, including potential co-located services between children’s social care and CAMHS. We are also reviewing statutory guidance on promoting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children, with a focus on improving access to mental health services and ensuring practitioners are equipped to respond to trauma. This complements the Government’s wider commitment to expanding the mental health workforce by 8,500 staff, helping to ensure timely, trauma-informed support for vulnerable children. We are reviewing and updating statutory guidance on promoting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care. This includes strengthening the role of mental health and emotional wellbeing in health assessments and ensuring clearer accountability for meeting existing requirements. The review is informed by input from practitioners and care- experienced young people to ensure changes are grounded in real-world experience and need. We are also funding a pilot for training mental health support teams working with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. These efforts aim to ensure that children in care and care leavers receive timely, compassionate, and effective mental health support.