Mental Health in Childhood EBL Essay Paper

For the purpose of the assignment the author was provided with an enquiry based learning (EBL) scenario. From the scenario the author shall attempt to disseminate the information provided, explore key concepts and provide an adequate option for the Calvert family. The scenario referred to a fabricated family, who were facing emotional and behavioural difficulties with their son Darren (7 years old). These difficulties were causing concern to a number of sources including his family, school teachers and health visitor. The assignment shall discuss the service provision that would be suitable for the family and their situation. It will then explore two possible contributory reasons for Darren’s presentation, and an associated intervention to contribute to positive outcomes for the whole family.
Mental health issues in children and adolescents are a public health concern. In the UK it has been proposed that up to 20% of this age group will suffer from developmental, emotional or behavioural problems and around 10% will have a diagnosable mental disorder according to standardised criteria (Pryjmachuk et al. 2011). The appropriate service for the Calvert family would present as the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). Presently, CAMHS operate within a four tier system derived from the Children’s Service Plan, 2002-2005. Each stage of this system provides professionals and services with the aim of addressing needs based on assessments and evidence based practice. The services utilised are identified as appropriate to the level required by an individual (Pryjmachuk et al. 2011). Tier 1 services are termed universal services and incorporate GP surgeries, health visitors and schools, tier 2 services are termed targeted services and include specialist primary mental health practitioners whilst tier 3 and 4 services tend to be specialised services such as CAMHS community or Crisis team and inpatient admissions respectively (Pryjmachuk et al.