Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Inadequate assessment of mental health for children and young people in care.
Conclusion
Young people in care are significantly more likely to have experienced trauma and adverse experiences than their peers, and therefore strong mental health support is crucial. Although local authorities are required to assess the emotional and mental health of children in their care, evidence suggests this does not always happen in practice. Our witnesses were clear that there is scope to strengthen the requirement for the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in the care system to be assessed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concern that mental health assessments for children in care do not always happen in practice, despite existing requirements. It commits to reviewing and updating statutory guidance on 'Promoting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children' to consider what changes are needed to further ensure support.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Government response to Conclusion six: We know that provision of effective support, including mental health support, is crucial for children in care and care leavers. Regulations and statutory guidance already clearly stipulate requirements for assessment of needs and provision of support, and there are systems of review, accountability and intervention in place to ensure this happens. However, according to the evidence the Committee has heard, that assessment of emotional and mental health does not always happen in practice, aligns with discussions we have had with our partners in the sector, including local authorities and charities. We agree and recognise this is both concerning and more needs to be done for the vulnerable children and young people impacted. The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care are reviewing and updating current statutory guidance on ‘Promoting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children’. As part of this review, we will consider what changes are needed to further ensure that children in care and care leavers receive the support they need for their mental health and wellbeing.