Evaluation of 2 CAMHS Innovations Projects - Some issues in supporting LAC Presentation to New Forest CAMHS 10 October 2001 Julia Waldman, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Social Work Studies

National Context 24 projects in England funded through Department of Health CAMHS Innovation Fund approximately 50% funding for 3 years Young Minds website a requirement of the funding was for external evaluation Department of Social Work Studies commissioned to evaluate 2 of the projects

Southampton Behaviour Resource Service (50% LAC) Clinical Psychology Post for Children in Long Term Placements in West Sussex (100% LAC) very different services & different evaluation remit

BRS involvement at development stage mid BRS team of approx city focus West Sussex started April 2001 (DoH required external evaluation) - staffing of 1 - county focus

BRS accepted 88 referrals since 01/00 West Sussex project accepted 79 referrals since 09/99

BRS focuses on networking approach, underpinned by assessment-intervention

Shared Themes perceptions of accessibility for carers placement disruption as an outcome indicator of intervention effectiveness, though history of multiple placement disruption increases risk of further disruption (Smith 2001) Issues around case closure

CARER PERCEPTIONS OF ACCESSIBILITY early indicator of satisfaction in BRS carer competence and confidence key in sustaining positive placements for young people West Sussex - personal consultancy role by C.P. valued by professionals

PLACEMENT DISRUPTION explicit aim of W.Sussex project is to reduce placement disruption (ie. unplanned move for either y.p. or carer), developed as outcome for BRS interventions may, however, lead to placement move as a needs-led change

PLACEMENT ISSUES CONTINUED service as an advocate for high standards of practice assessments indicate which type of accommodation is needed

CASE CLOSURE Many of the cases referred to the service are complex and may require sustained input over an extensive period of time. With most cases, the level of input will decrease over time, but there are a substantial number of cases where, either issues arising for the child or for the Foster Parent require an increase in the input offered. Telephone consultations to Foster Carers, particularly at times of crisis, are a central feature of the service offered. Deborah Page, 2000 Due to the complex, long term and recurring nature of many of the needs presented by young people using the BRS, the notion of a definitive case closure is problematic. Not only is it often difficult to view needs as resolved and therefore BRS involvement no longer required, but even when cases do close, the probability of some requiring support at a later date remains quite high. JW 2001

Final stages Both projects focusing on obtaining views from service users –young people –foster carers –parents with data from individual profiles, gathered during and after case closure (most of which in BRS have happened since June )