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RQIA Independent Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health ...

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Chapter 8<br />

Arrangements in place to transfer service users from CAMHS to adult mental health<br />

services<br />

8.1 Term <strong>of</strong> Reference 3<br />

Theme 1 - Transition to Adult <strong>Mental</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

A significant finding in the McCartan report highlighted the risks involved in poor communication <strong>and</strong> poor transitional<br />

arrangements for young people moving into adult mental health services. It also highlighted that patients were not always<br />

engaged in the process or involved in the decisions surrounding transfer.<br />

The Bamford <strong>Review</strong> recommended that care pathways <strong>and</strong> protocols should be developed to ensure optimal patient care<br />

between CAMHS <strong>and</strong> adult services. In addition, the review identified that transfer to adult services will usually occur around the<br />

eighteenth birthday, however flexibility is required to ensure the best interest <strong>of</strong> the young person is considered. The review also<br />

indicated that effective collaboration between adult <strong>and</strong> CAMHS will also ensure that the mental health <strong>and</strong> any other relevant<br />

family circumstance will be considered. This has recently been taken forward through the SCIE initiative "Think Parent, Think<br />

<strong>Child</strong>, Think Family" which provides a guide to parental mental health <strong>and</strong> child well being. All trusts reported they have engaged<br />

with this initiative.<br />

All trusts are aware <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> ensuring smooth transitions for young people into adult services. Three <strong>of</strong> the trusts<br />

identified within a policy or draft policy that consideration <strong>of</strong> a transfer is made in advance <strong>of</strong> the young person's 18th birthday.<br />

The Western Trust did not refer to this directly in its transfer policy. All <strong>of</strong> the trusts indicated that the need for transfer would be<br />

agreed <strong>and</strong> discussed with the young person <strong>and</strong> their parents or carers <strong>and</strong> highlighted that there would be face to face contact<br />

with the young person <strong>and</strong> adult services prior to transfer. The Northern <strong>and</strong> the Southern Trust highlighted arrangements to cowork<br />

to provide a seamless service. The Belfast Trust indicated plans to arrange regular meetings with adult colleagues to<br />

improve transitional arrangements.<br />

115

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