All local areas should appoint a lead professional to oversee and co-ordinate mental health support for looked-after children, a government-appointed group of experts has recommended.
The expert working group - co-chaired by clinical psychologist Peter Fonagy and director of the Council for Disabled Children Dame Christine Lenehan - says virtual mental health leads would be similar to virtual school heads, who have responsibility for ensuring children in care and those adopted have the education support they need.
The working group's report states that leads would operate using the "same principles of championing the needs of young people, monitoring progress in local areas - including young people out of the borough - intervening where needed and promoting best practice".
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