This training resource offers a fresh approach in training childcare staff to develop a greater understanding of the mental health needs of children and young people. It aims to enable all professionals to be more effective in their work with looked after children and young people and to encourage teamwork in promoting positive mental health.

The innovative manual presents four training sessions intended to be delivered in sequence to a group of participants, either in four separate half-day sessions or over two full days. The four sessions covered are: children’s mental health, resilience and attachment, adolescence and working together. Each session contains an outline of the material to be covered with explanation and guidance about time allocation for each session. The pack also includes references and suggested further reading.

Topics include:
How common are mental health problems in children and adolescents?
How to understand children's mental health problems
Building resilience in professionals and carers
Adolescent development
Depression, self-harm and suicide
Services to address the mental health needs of looked after children: the CAMHS tiered model
Promoting children's mental health

Professionals within the social care sector are required to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the General Social Care Council (GSCC). Those who use this resource will be able to gain CPD points.

Vital information for:professionals working with looked after children and young people including foster carers, residential child-care staff, social workers, leaving care teams, health visitors, school nurses, paediatricians, teachers, education welfare officers and pupil referral units.