Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Director of Public Health.

The report provides an update on -

·         National prevalence data on mental health disorders amongst the LAC population

• The predicted impact of this in Stockport
• Measuring wellbeing and the use of the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire
• Responding to the needs of Looked After Children
• Support in Stockport for Looked After Children
• Innovations in care for Looked After Children
• Challenges and areas for development.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Catherine Johnson on Tel: 474 2446 or email: Catherine.johnson@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on:

·         National prevalence data on mental health disorders amongst the LAC population

·         The predicted impact of this in Stockport

·         Measuring wellbeing and the use of the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire

·         Responding to the needs of Looked After Children

·         Support in Stockport for Looked After Children

·         Innovations in care for Looked After Children

·         Challenges and areas for development.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Mental Health treatment for children, the provision of advice and support.

·         Seeking out the most appropriate form of help and the role of school nurses.

·         The Stockport Family approach- good foundation in schools for providing additional support. Many High Schools have counselling support available – public health initiatives in schools.

·         Statutory Health assessments of Looked After Children and the development of health plans when needs are identified.

·         Concern was expressed at the number of Looked After Children who had mental health issues.

·         Care leavers are at particular risk as they will experience difficulties which will impact their ability to function well but that do not meet the thresholds for support from mental health services.

·         The relationship between the Local Authority and the Clinical Commissioning Group when commissioning the services of CAMHS.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and officers be thanked for their attendance.