Promoting the health and well being of London’s looked after children
Sunday, November 1st, 2009
Health and well being are central to the quality of the lives of children in care. We know that looked after children often experience worse outcomes, particularly in what they achieve and attain, but it is also the same for many health aspects of their lives.
The Government office for London commissioned a scoping review to identify emerging practise supporting the health and well being of Looked after children, particularly around increasing access to CAMHS, Sexual Health, Immunisations and Vaccinations, Annual Health Assessments and general wellbeing. The results of the Scoping Review has been compiled into a practice guide: “Promoting the health and wellbeing of London’s looked after children – Learning from Emerging Practice”.
Hard copies of the Guide are available from amy.wilkinson@gol.gsi.gov.uk.
This publication shares emerging good practice that is achieving positive change across London. There are a collection of case studies in the following areas:
Annual Health Assessments and Health Plans
Immunisations and Vaccinations
Access to Children and Mental Health Services
Sexual Health, Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Relationship Education
Emotional Well Being
Education Support
There are a number of key themes which emerge which include the importance of multi-agency team work, the importance of a whole systems approach, the need for training, consultancy and support, evaluating the outcomes and impacts of activities and involving and engaging with children and young people in care.
Although the focus is London the emerging practice is applicable more widely. Do you have links with a local football club? Find out how one local authority has developed an innovative programme for young people in care with the support of Tottenham Hotspur. This is a timely and relevant resource for social work and I would encourage you to share this widely with colleagues in social work, health and education who have an interest in this important area.
You may also find it useful to look at the Young London Matters website to read the presentations from the conference held on the 16th October 2009 and a range of other resources to support the health and well being of children and young people in London.
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