ABSTRACT
Mental illness is one of five key areas of health concern identified by the government. In a handbook focused specifically on child and adolescent mental health (Department of Health, 1995) mental health problems were noted to affect many or all aspects of children’s lives. All those in direct contact with children, including teachers, were considered to have a part to play in addressing mental health problems and in the promotion of mental well-being. The need for a core of locally based specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was also highlighted. Specialist CAMHS, however, have been found to be patchy, underfunded and their effectiveness sometimes inhibited by the lack of co-ordination between agencies (Mental Health Foundation, 1999). The skills and knowledge of mental health specialists therefore need to be passed on to those working on a daily basis with children, while CAMHS engage in more consultation and partnership with other professionals.
