2002 International International Biennial Scientific Meeting

THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

Nicky Stanley, Denise Riordan and Helen Alaszewski

Department of Social Work & Community Health, University of Hull, UK

N.E.Stanley@hull.ac.uk

Objectives:

• To collect data recorded on social services files on the mental health needs of a representative sample of looked after children.
• To elicit the views of carers and looked after young people themselves on the mental health needs of looked after children.

Methods: The case files of 80 children looked after in two English local authorities were analysed. The research team developed a set of indicators to identify the level and frequency of the children's mental health needs.

A postal survey of all foster carers and residential care staff in the two local authorities was completed. The views of looked after children and young people were explored through focus group discussions.

Results:

• The mental health problems most frequently detected were those related to anger/aggression and low self-esteem.
• The study identified a range of high-risk behaviours among looked after young people.
• Placement disruption was strongly associated with high levels of distress and disturbance in the children studied.
• Exercising choice as to whether they participated in therapy was seen as important by the looked after young people.
• The young people valued carers who had personal experience of the care system.

Conclusions:

• Reducing placement changes to the minimum is a key component of any strategy for the prevention of mental health problems in looked after children.
• Carers and those who provide them with front-line support require training and support in managing high risk behaviours.
• Services need to be sufficiently diverse for young people to be offered a meaningful choice.
• Young people need to be informed when confidentiality is being offered and where its boundaries lie.
• Attention should be given to exploring ways in which former care leavers can contribute to support services for young people who are looked after.