Up to 10 pilot areas were set to start testing new approaches to mental health assessments for looked-after children by May. But a DfE spokeswoman has confirmed that the pilots, first announced in November 2016, have been placed on hold.
The DfE has attributed the situation to the snap general election and the forthcoming purdah period, whereby government departments must not undertake any activity that could call into question their political impartiality, but has declined to comment further.
Under the plans, mental health assessments will be conducted in addition to existing health assessments children receive when they are taken into care.
In January, children's minister Edward Timpson said the Department of Health and NHS England were working alongside an expert working group tasked with developing care pathways for looked-after children with mental health difficulties to develop the scope of the pilots.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
