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Care-experienced children and young people are nearly five times more likely than their peers to experience mental health difficulties, with close to half meeting criteria for a diagnosable disorder. Social workers play a central role in improving the mental health of care-experienced children and young people, yet they often face gaps in guidance on how best to respond to the challenges faced.
Drawing together the latest research, practice expertise and the views of young people with lived experience of growing up in care, this book explores:
• mental health problems that care-experienced children and young people are likely to have;
• how racism affects the experiences and mental health of black and minority ethnic children and young people;
• the contribution that social workers can make to the lives of care-experienced children and young people of all ages; and
• how to work effectively with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) professionals.
Offering clear guidance to support for better practice, this book is essential reading for social work practitioners, supervisors, managers, students, foster carers and anyone working in an allied profession to improve support and outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
“This excellent book explores key issues from research and practice regarding social work and mental health with care-experienced children and young people. It’s recommended essential reading for students, social workers and mental health professionals.” Lucille Allain, Middlesex University
“This book details not only what the mental health needs of children and young people with care experience are, but foregrounds their experiences and what professionals and carers can do to help. An immensely valuable contribution.” Robin Sen, University of Edinburgh
"A poignant reminder that young people can survive significant life and mental health challenges, but need compassionate, inclusive and specialist trained social workers to support their journey." Liana Kotze, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
“A powerful, compassionate and practical guide that elevates the voices of care-experienced children and strengthens trauma-informed, anti-racist social work practice. Sometimes we read a book and we are informed; sometimes we are encouraged. This time, you will read and feel equipped.” Bev Hendricks, Merton Council
Introduction
1. What do care-experienced children and young people want from mental health support?
2. What research tells us about the mental health of care-experienced children and young people
3. The role of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and other screening tools
4. What do social workers need to know about mental health?
5. The role of child and adolescent mental health services in supporting care-experienced children and young people
6. Supporting care-experienced children and young people in placements
7. Racism, mental health and care-experienced children and young people
8. Adolescence and managing transitions into adulthood with care-experienced young people
9. Service models for best practice in providing mental health support for care-experienced children and young people
Conclusion