Issue - meetings

Report CS17014

The Committee considered a report outlining the performance of the Bromley Community Wellbeing Service for children and young people in the first year of the three year contract period which was awarded to Bromley Y for a period of three years from 1^st December 2014 to 30^th November 2017, and how performance data was being used to identify and address potential gaps in the system.

The Bromley Community Wellbeing Service had been developed in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that the emotional and mental wellbeing needs of children and young people aged up to 18 years, and up to 25 years for young people subject to an Education, Care and Health Plan, were met at the earliest opportunity, with information on the service available via a wide range of stakeholders including GPs and schools who were able to make referrals to the service. 

Between 1^st December 2014, and 31^st March 2016 there had been 3,416 referrals to the service, 28% of which were within the highest range as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.  Those accepted for treatment were being offered short term interventions, and good outcomes were being realised with 79% of young people reducing their difficulties score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire following treatment.  Positive outcomes from the service included young people returning to full-time education, reductions in self-harming behaviours and improved family relationships.  Concerns had been identified regarding delays in referrals to CAMHs and the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group was working to address this issue.  Other gaps in the service had also been identified and additional provision had been put in place for the diagnosis of individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and specialist support in schools.

In response to a question from a Member, the Commissioning Manager (ECHS) confirmed that the Bromley Community Wellbeing service was advertised by a number of key partners including GPs, the Youth Offending Service and schools, but that the service also had a website and young people or their parents and carers could self-refer.  The Chairman was pleased to note the introduction of a specialist eating disorder service which was delivered by the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, an international leader in this area which was also working in three Bromley schools where pupils were identified as being most at risk of eating disorders.

The Portfolio Holder for Care Services advised Members that the Local Authority would continue to work with the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group to increase capacity for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and the planned introduction of Tier 2.5 would ensure children and young people with a medium level of need were referred to appropriate specialist support in a timely manner.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.