Page 49 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who may be vulnerable as a result of their own or others mental ill health Definition Common mental health disorders and difficulties encountered during childhood and the teenage years include: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder); anxiety and a range of related anxiety disorders ranging from simple phobias to social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder); autism and Asperger syndrome (the Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD); behavioural problems; bullying; depression; eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa and bulimia); obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); psychotic disorders - and in particular schizophrenia; and substance abuse. Brief Overview Child and adolescent mental health disorders are surprisingly common. They affect 10- 20% of children and young people - with the most recent UK figure indicating that 10% of 5-16 year olds had a diagnosed mental health disorder (figure from the Office for National Statistics [ONS]), and the current US figure indicating that a mental illness occurs in 20% of US children during any given year (figure from the US Surgeon General) Children and young people can also be affected by family members or their carers having a mental health need, “An estimated one-third to two-thirds of children whose parents have mental health problems will experience difficulties themselves. Of the 175,000 young carers identified in the 2001 census, 29 per cent – or just over 50,000 – are estimated to care for a family member with mental health problems. Parental mental health is also a significant factor for children entering the care system. Childcare social workers estimate that 50–90 per cent of parents on their caseload have mental health problems, alcohol or substance misuse issues. In a class of 26 primary school children, it is estimated that six 22 or seven children are living with a mother with mental health difficulties”. Parental mental health problems can adversely affect the development, and in some cases the safety of children. Where there is a concern that parental mental health issues may present a risk of harm to a child, child protection procedures must be instigated immediately. Growing up with a mentally ill parent can have a negative impact on a person’s adjustment in adulthood, including their transition to parenthood. Children, particularly those with emotional, behavioural or chronic physical difficulties, can precipitate or exacerbate mental ill health in their parents/carers. 22 Think child, think parent, think family: a guide to parental mental health and child welfare (2011) Social Care Institute for excellence Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:49