The Mental Health Needs of Looked After Children

Young people in the care system have
a much higher rate of mental health problems than those in the
general population. Failure to acknowledge and treat these problems
may cause difficulties for these children ranging from placement
breakdowns to more serious mental health problems in later
life.

This book will be of interest to
anyone who has contact with young people but in particular social
workers and foster carers. Developed with a number of
professionals, the book aims to help those caring for and working
with these vulnerable young people to:



Identify and understand the mental health problems and social
issues that may exist for these children.
Emphasise the importance of recognising mental health problems
and therefore the importance of prevention.
Improves understanding of current developments in child and
adolescent mental health services, specifically joint working
between health and social services.


Issues covered include: depression,
sexual abuse, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, teeenage
pregnancies, parental mental illness, school exclusion and leaving
care.


Features:


These various mental health problems and social care issues are
brought to life through a number of vignettes.
Questions regarding the issues are answered by experts.
Children's views on the problems they face when in care are
conveyed in poems.
Key references are provided on issues.
Government's objectives and targets are set out from Quality
Protects and National Priorities Guidance.
Information is provided on the Mental Health Specific Grant
Projects for the various issues as well as other regional
initiatives.
Examples are given of innovative practice in joint work between
health and social services.
Useful contact details for organisations and agencies are
provided.