The effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving access to health and mental health services for looked-after children and young people: a systematic review

In: Families, relationships and societies: an international journal of research and debate, Volume 1, Issue 1, p. 71-85

Abstract

Compared with children and young people in the general population, looked-after children and young people (LACYP) are more likely to experience behavioural, physical and psychological problems. Consequently, LACYP are likely to have greater need of health and mental health services to address any specific problems.. However, LACYP do not always have the same access to general health and mental health care as other children and young people, nor do they always receive treatment or support that is appropriate to their needs. Several factors may contribute to this mismatch between need and service access. LACYP may not have advocates who can request assessment and treatment when it is needed, and professionals who could act on their behalf may be absent at times of placement breakdown and transition. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve access to services accessed by LACYP.