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.)