Mental health
Health Practitioner at Youth Offending Service (YOS)
‘Every Child Matters’ is a new Government approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.The programme places better outcomes for children firmly at the centre of all policies and approaches involving children’s services .All organisations are required to work together in more integrated and effective ways and the YOS is a pioneer in this approach. One of the outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’ is for children and young people to ‘Be Healthy’ and all of the staff of the YOS have a shared responsibility in keeping children healthy. Young people have different needs which may include physical, sexual, emotional and mental health. Through a process of assessment (ASSET) YOS officers and support workers are able to identify such needs and are able to support the young person in accessing the relevant health provision.
South Tyneside NHS Primary Care Trust employ a Senior Mental Health Practitioner who works within the YOS. The post holder offers consultation, advice and support to YOS colleagues regarding health issues of the young people within the service. There is an internal process of assessment whereby YOS staff can refer young people to the Health Practitioner for mental health assessment should there be concerns of a young persons’ emotional and mental health; a full assessment and further therapeutic intervention can then be offered to the young person. The Health Practitioner is part of the wider CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) and has an agreed protocol with other CAMHS professionals who practice outside of the YOS and can refer young people on to those services if necessary. The Practitioner therefore acts as an effective link between the YOS and NHS provision therefore ensuring that any health needs, including physical and sexual health are met.
