Page 50 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Identifying mental disorders in children can be difficult. Children are different from adults in that they are growing and developing and as such experience physical, mental, and emotional changes. They also are in the process of learning how to cope with, adapt, and relate to others and the world around them. Each child develops at their own pace, and what is considered "normal" in children falls within a wide range of behavior and abilities. For these reasons, any assessment of a mental disorder must consider how well a child functions at home, within the family, at school, and with peers, as well as the child's age and symptoms. Children who themselves have mental health disorders and difficulties may experience difficulties in relation to depression, self-harming, become extremely worried, have separation anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, and eating disorders and other behaviours that may indicate that they need support and intervention. For the right support to be accessed it is important that an assessment of the Child’s needs is carried out. Children and young people and their families can be directed to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) if it is felt that the child/young person is finding it hard to cope and this may be a significant emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulty. CAMHS may be able to assist. They offer consultation, assessment and treatment when children and young people have emotional, behavioral or mental health difficulties. Following the assessment, CAMHS staff will say what they think might be causing a child’s difficulties. They may identify a few different factors which might be affecting the child/young person’s behavior and will decide if they can offer support. If you are aware of a parent with a mental health issue who is looking after a child it is important that contact is made with Adult Support Services to discuss the potential or actual impact on the child and to develop a Child’s Plan if needed. Further Guidance 23 The pan Ayrshire Multi Agency self-harm guidelines has been launched with a training package to be developed with each agency to support the individual needs such as STORM, ASSIST, Safe Talk training. 23 http://www.girfecna.co.uk/admin/uploads/downloads/Inter%20Agency%20Self%20Harm%20Guidance.pdf Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:50