Agenda item

The chair varied the order of business on the agenda - this item was taken after item 6.

Dr Stacy John-Legere, designated doctor for Looked After Children, Southwark  introduced the report and outlined the health services for looked after children in Southwark which includes those looked after children outside the borough.

Summary of presentation:

·  Children’s homes built in Southwark – prime focus is full access to health services

·  Highlighted the health services in England – with reference to the draft model of ICB (integrated care board) structure

·  To continue the delivery of services at Sunshine House

·  The challenges for those looked after children that live furthest away from the borough

·  Physical access needs, focus work on immunisation services

·  Recognise the health needs; look at their specific needs and to receive further clarity on health support

·  Continue close contact with Olive House (children’s home) – where quarterly meetings are held, undertake medication audit, development training and work regularly /quarterly to ensure young people have a healthy lifestyle

·  Develop partnerships and away days for staff – to build teamwork.

Sarah O’Connor, designated nurse for Looked After Children addressed the meeting and outlined the following:

·  Positive up in performance /referral rate has increased, slightly seen people (98%) provide further health information

·  Better processes in place

·  Health needs of young people; track the most vulnerable to ensure they get the same access to timely services, and how they deliver these services to young people

·  Review and commissioning of health services

·  The baseline increase of teenagers that use substances with spectrum of drug use becoming wider

·  Direct referrals are made due to the impact of substances

·  Strategy on this would now be widened to address these types of substances

·  Difference between abuse and use needs to be highlighted by way of ‘strategic reporting’

·  Continued conversation with young people on types of substance use.

Dr Jenny Taylor, Head of Clinical Practice addressed tmental health services:

·  It is estimated that 40 percent of looked after children or care leavers would struggle with their mental health

·  Not all care leavers would have direct access to mental health services

·  Need to ensure that over 18s have access to these services

·  Target those that are on the autism spectrum (address pathway)

·  Gender related – work with them as a service

·  Olive House – check whether a children’s place is more adequate or a foster home – it also includes addressing family life and speak to them about returning to their birth family.

Points highlighted during the presentation:

·  Access to mental health services (40%) focus on not having the care leavers services should be part of the cohort

·  Mental health services are available – up to the age of 25 (conduct surveys with young people)

·  More work being done regarding access to health services, treatment and clinical decision

·  Understanding the constraints that the health service has – providing other forms of support

·  Access to GP services: Launch of bright spot in September 2025 to seek the views of young people to address their needs when it comes to their mental health needs

·  Mental health main focus: Promote sport and a healthy diet through ways of communicating with young people and carers; this initiative would be incorporated in the health assessment

·  Substance abuse and misuse – practitioner will be available to help those young people with the misuse and abuse of substances and provide service through the pathway programme

·  Also check with other local authorities on their processes

·  Provide early intervention when tackling issues like self-medicating and misuse of substances.

Action:

1.  To note that the above be included as an agenda item, with reference on drug use and self-medication so there is a clear understanding of the issues young people face. In addition, invite the relevant professionals to attend a  committee meeting.

2.  Speaker Box be involved in addressing the issues young people face on substance misuse.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the report and its contents be noted in relation to the delivery of health services for Children Looked After (CLA) and Care Leavers who are in the care of London Borough of Southwark.

2.  That the feedback /comments on the Southwark Children Looked After Health report for consideration by the Children Looked After Health leads across the health economy be noted.