Secure care: consultation – summary version

4. Mental health support in secure care: why it matters and what is changing

Many children who are in, or close to being placed in, secure care feel strong emotions — such as worry, sadness, anger or fear. Different health and care services should work together so children can get the help and support they need at the right time, including when they leave secure care.

4.1 Why change is needed

Some children and young people need extra help because they feel very upset or have been through hard times. Different services that support them don’t always work well together, and this can make it harder for children to get the help they need.

4.2. What secure care should provide

Secure care is a safe place where adults look after children who need extra support. It should be calm, stable, and caring. Children should be able to get mental health checks and treatment while they are there.

4.3. Challenges right now

Children in secure care can’t easily see CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). This means it can take longer to get the right support. Children often have trauma or big feelings that need specialist help.

4.4 What is being done to improve things

Special CAMHS teams now visit secure care centres to support children where they live. These teams help children with serious mental health needs. The Scottish Government is helping different areas work together better, and they are also creating clear plans and pathways so children can get mental health support sooner.

4.5 Support for children before they enter secure care

Early help can stop problems from getting worse. Flexible support can prevent the need for children to move into secure care.

4.6 The overall goal

The goal is to make sure every child is in a place that feels safe and caring, to support their feelings, wellbeing, and behaviour, and to give children the right help at the right time.

Questions about mental health (Q8–Q10)

Q8. What more is needed to help mental health services and secure care to work better together so children can receive the help and support they need at the right time?

Q9. How can services work together as one team to support children’s wellbeing (mental health, physical health, school, family and safety)?

Q10. What needs to change so information can be shared safely and confidently to help everyone understand a child’s needs?