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Issue - meetings

Meeting: 08/09/2020 - Children's Scrutiny Committee (Item 181)

SEND Transformation Plan (including CAMHS and Autism)

Presentation.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a joint presentation by officers from Devon County Council, Children and Family Health Devon and NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group entitled ‘SEND Transformation: Children and Young People Emotional Health Wellbeing and Autism’.

 

The presentation covered the delivery of services during COVID-19 and highlighted in particular:

 

·          That crisis support for CAMHS was being delivered 24/7;

·          Waiting times (CAMHS) for urgent and Eating Disorder referrals were on target;

·          The impact on staff from remote working, wellbeing and shift work;

·          Autism waiting times for assessment had gradually increased, impacted by staff recruitment and retention;

·          EHCP requests had increased;

·          Average waiting time for CAMHS was 14.4 weeks, from start of treatment; and

·          The support available for children and families whilst waiting.

 

Officers responded to Members’ questions that covered:

 

·          The effectiveness of virtual diagnoses and the availability to young people of online resources and face to face contact;

·          The waiting time for autism was currently in excess of two years, although a high-risk priority would automatically be expedited;

·          Online resources were available on the Children and Family Health Devon website which could be accessed by parents during Autism waiting times;

·          There was an increase in eating disorders being presented in young people, especially girls, due to lockdown and of parents becoming more aware; and

·          Inadequate funding for children’s mental health.

 

It was agreed that a wider discussion around CAMHS and Autism waiting times with Children and Family Health Devon and Devon CCG colleagues should take place at a future Scrutiny Standing Overview Group or Masterclass.

 

(A copy of the presentation would be circulated to Members.)

 

 

 

 



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