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Health and Community Care Committee, 15 Jan 2003

15 Jan 2003 · S1 · Health and Community Care Committee

Item of business

Mental Health (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Mrs Mulligan: Watch on SPTV

In response to Scott Barrie, I say that the definition of "children in need" was necessarily wide to ensure that all children and young people to whom the definition could apply were recognised, but I understand that that sometimes means that there are difficulties in identifying those children and young people. In drafting guidance for the bill, we could examine the guidance that has been provided under the 1995 act to see whether additional guidance is required. That could then tighten up the looseness that Scott Barrie referred to as regards identifying those children and young people who would appropriately be covered.I recognise that we need to ensure that problems are identified early. In fact, several measures are being introduced, especially within schools, to identify at an early stage children and young people who are experiencing difficulties. Through the Scottish health-promoting schools unit and new community schools, several collaborative methods are being taken forward that will identify issues around mental well-being. Those methods could flag up at an early stage where additional support is needed. That is a practical way of proceeding.In relation to John McAllion's point on the 1995 act, "For Scotland's children" recognised that there are gaps between agencies and, in some cases, problems in engaging health boards in particular in delivering services for children at risk. In light of that report, we are taking action to ensure that planning and integrated working are further developed under the direction of the Cabinet sub-committee on children. The First Minister established that sub-committee to consider specific areas of concern where we felt that the 1995 act was not being adhered to in such a way as to deliver the service for those who needed it.Mary Scanlon mentioned joint working. We are very concerned that, in several areas where there is joint working between health boards and local authorities, there needs to be guidance to ensure that agencies work closely together and do not blame each other. There is quite clear guidance on how to deal with overlaps and to ensure that people receive the service regardless of who provides it. There is guidance on who takes responsibility for which aspect. It is clear that in several areas where local authorities and health boards or health trusts are working together, they need to be quite clear about their responsibilities and how they should be delivering them.