CAHMS information

What do you do?

 

All CAMHS nurses work slightly differently in the different areas of Wales, but generally we work with those involved in the Looked After System to help them recognise and deal with the emotional needs of children and young people in the system. We do some direct work with children and young people, but also work to advise and train foster careers, residential staff and other professionals.

 

Why do you think we need to be concerned about the emotional/ mental health of children and young people who are looked after?

The evidence suggests that children and young people who are looked after are more likely to experience emotional health difficulties. If these difficulties are recognised/ dealt with early then there is a string likelihood that these problems will not persist into adulthood.

 

What are the main issues that young people looked after bring to you?

Young people often struggle to identify the issues that are bothering them. This means that part of our role is aimed at helping to make sense of what has happened to young people in care and to build on their strengths, to develop positive ways of coping with the future. Often loss is a major factor, this can be linked it loss of important people, buildings, roles etc. Loss can be experienced through death or separation. Feelings of depression and low self-esteem are common. Some find themselves involved with dangerous people, situations or substances. Some young people talk about how mixed up their feelings are and how they worry about their mood swings.

 

What support and help is available for young peel looked after who may feel unhappy or depressed?

Support and help varies. Most areas have statutory and voluntary services available. We can explore with young people what may be the best service for them. Some young people want to talk through their experiences in a counseling type setting. Others want information. Some young people need help with specific issues such as drugs; others want to talk to other people who have shared similar experiences.

What advice would you give to any young person looked after who has concerns about their emotional/ mental health?

We would advise a young person to talk to someone they get on with such as a member of their family, a friend, a career or key worker, an advocate, a social worker or their G. P. That person can then help the young person seek professional support.

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