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Mental health and wellbeing of looked after children inquiry launch

18 September 2015

Building on the Health Committee's recent report on childrens' and adolescents' mental health and CAMHS, the Education Committee has announced an inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of looked after children.

Call for written evidence

Written submissions are invited addressing the following points:

  • Whether the Department for Education and Department of Health guidance on promoting the health and wellbeing of looked after children published in March 2015 is sufficient to ensure that mental health and wellbeing are prioritised for children in care and care leavers
  • The extent to which the aims articulated in the guidance are being implemented at a local level
  • The extent and quality of dedicated mental health and wellbeing services provided for looked after children and care leavers, including training and support for carers and social workers
  • The level of coordination between relevant elements of the education system, the care system and the health system in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of looked after children and care leavers, and how this can be improved
  • The contribution that schools make to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of looked after children alongside services such as CAMHS
  • How young people and their carers can be more involved in designing mental health and wellbeing services for looked after children, including when making the transition to adult services when leaving care.

The deadline for receipt of written submissions is midday on Thursday 29 October 2015.

Further information

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