ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the principles and issues apply to all referrals of children and young people from primary care made by primary healthcare staff. 'Any young person, regardless of age, can independently seek medical advice and give valid consent to medical treatment. The duty of confidentiality owed to a person under 16 years is as great as that owed to any other person. The Children's National Service Framework highlights the importance of the transition from children's services to adult services, especially for young people with chronic medical conditions or mental health problems. The gatekeeping role of referrers is as much to protect families from overload as it is to ensure that specialist services are not overwhelmed by referrals. Other social factors that are important to consider in the referral process include ethnicity and geography – where families live. There will be changes in healthcare that will influence the way referrals are made from primary care.
