Agenda item - Developments in Mental Health Services for Children and Young People

Report of the Executive Director- Families, Children & Learning (copy attached).

1)            That the report be noted.

17.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Families Children & Learning that provided information of the current children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing services and future developments.

17.2      Councillor Taylor noted that the routine priority first treatment target was 8 weeks which was of some concern for him as just like physical health, mental health deteriorated without prompt treatment.

17.3      The Commissioning Manager, Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing, Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group clarified that the national target was 18 weeks and 8 weeks was a significant reduction on that. Treatment was not necessarily subject to face to face meetings and an individual self-help programme could be introduced subject to the patients need.

17.4      Councillor O’Quinn commended the report adding that mental health was a very important issue that was often neglected. Councillor O’Quinn asked if any benchmarking had been undertaken with authorities that had begun the process.

17.5      The Commissioning Manager, Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing, Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group replied that Brighton & Hove and other authorities were in a similar starting position however, each authority had its respective strengths in specific areas that gave opportunity for shared learning.

17.6      Councillor Phillips asked if partnerships had been established with the voluntary sector and whether in the future, some services could be co-led with young people.

17.7      The Commissioning Manager, Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing, Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group stated that the voluntary service were crucial and were a partner throughout the delivery of services. Furthermore, consideration was being given to commissioning young people to produce a version of the transformation plan.

17.8      RESOLVED- That the report be noted.