CAMHS
If you are a child or young person you will be seen by a different group of medical professionals.
These profesionals will have the same qualifications as those working in adult services but have experience in working with children and young people.
These services are called CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Click here for the Candle Resource Page
Another useful guide for parents, carers, educators and social care staff working with young people with a learning disability promoting positive mental health is Head Start click here to download the 16 page clear and simple guide
What is CAMHS?
CAMH Services can be difficult to define.
People can use it in two ways. The Every Child Matters website suggests:
1. “It is commonly used as a broad concept that embraces all those services that contribute to the mental health care of children and young people, whether provided by health, education, social services or other agencies. This definition includes universal services whose primary function is not mental health care, such as GPs and schools. This explicitly acknowledges that supporting children and young people with mental health problems is not the responsibility of specialist services alone.
2. “However, the term is sometimes used more narrowly to refer only to specialist child and adolescent mental health services.” Every Child Matters
This means organisations and agencies that focus on young people’s mental health. These might be based in a hospital or community mental health centre setting. Sometimes they are part of social services or a voluntary organisation. CAMHS workers are split into four tiers. Workers engaging directly with a young person in any capacity are considered to be Tier One.
Local issues
In some areas of the country CAMHS services include children and young people who have a learning disability with all young people, this is called an integrated service (such as Sheffield CAMHS). Other areas provide support in specialist CAMHS learning disability services (such as Birmingham).
The nature of the services provided also differs so it is important to find out what is happening in a local area and how the services are structured. Try typing the name of an area and CAMHS into a google search and seeing what comes up or go to the website mentioned in the next column
Choosing What's Best For You
A booklet helping young people make choices around treatments has been produced by the Anna Freud Centre. Although it is not specifically designed for young people with a learning disability they will find it useful. To download the booklet click here.
Skill
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is an independent national charity that promotes opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment.
They run a free information and advice service for disabled people, their parents or support workers, inform and influence key policymakers promote best practice through membership, topical conferences and seminars, consultancy and training.
NATIONAL CAMHS SUPPORT SERVICE
The National CAMHS Support Service has a useful website for those working with young people. Type learning disability in the search and work through each section.
Young Minds is a national charity that supports children, young people and their families - their website will provide useful information.
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