How does the Welsh Government assist those who have accessed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services who still need mental health support after they turn 18?
In February 2022 the Welsh Government issued new guidance, following extensive consultation, to improve the Mental Health care that young people receive. It aims to ensure that young people and their carers have a positive experience of transition by improving the way care is planned and carried out. It provides health boards with guidance on the management, handover and accountability of healthcare services for children and young people during their transition from children’s to adult’s service.
Improving transitions continues to be a priority and I expect all health boards to ensure there is collaborative working between CAMHS and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) to do this. A number of our health boards now have joint CAMHS/AMHS transition polices in place based on the All-Wales Transitions Guidance, and many of our CAMHS services have now established transition panels to improve transitions. The all-Wales Transitions Passport also aims to improve transitions.
Health Boards are employing some innovative workforce solutions to improve the effectiveness of the transition processes and patient experiences. Examples include the recruitment of transition leads, peer mentors and youth workers.
To further improve transitions, we recently commissioned TGP Cymru to engage young people with lived experience to strengthen the current approach. The views of health boards and other organisations who are involved in mental health transition services and support will also continue to support and inform our future plans.