Former ADCS president to oversee development of mental health services for children in care

Speaking in parliament, children’s minister Edward Timpson said Alison O’Sullivan, who was ADCS president in 2015/16, will co-chair an expert group to develop care pathways to better meet the mental health needs of looked-after children.

The other co-chair will be Professor Peter Fonagy of the psychoanalysis unit at University College London. Fonagy is also chief executive of children's mental health charity the Anna Freud Centre.

The creation of an expert group was first announced by health minister Alistair Burt in February. Speaking at the time, Burt said the body will work to "develop care pathways that will support an integrated approach to meeting the needs of looked-after children with mental health difficulties".

Care pathways consist of an outline of anticipated care, and appropriate timeframes, to help a patient get better.

Details of other members of the group, which will be made up of figures from across health, social care and education, with additional input from children, young people, carers, and families with experience of the care system, have not been announced. It will work with NHS England, Health Education England, and other sector organisations.

Announcing the appointments, Timpson said part of the group's remit will consider the range of mental health assessments that are needed for children in care. 

CYP Now is holding a one-day national conference, Transforming Child Mental Health: Innovation and Impact, in London on 6 July. Speakers include Jon Rouse, director general with responsibility for mental health at the Department of Health, Professor Peter Fonagy, chief executive of the Anna Freud Centre, and children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield. See the full programme here.