CAMHS Youth Justice Service

I am a registered learning disability nurse and independent nurse prescriber within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), where I work as a senior mental health practitioner.

I have a specialist role within the two Youth Justice Agency (YJA) teams covering the Trust area, who work with people aged between 10 and 18. In 2019 I was tasked with setting up an evidence-based model to meet the emotional and mental health needs of the local YJA population that could be implemented regionally across Northern Ireland. This wider process is currently underway.

Those who come into contact with the criminal justice system are at a higher risk of developing mental health difficulties and more likely to face challenges when accessing support. Through engagement with young people, their families and those involved in their care, we have learned more about the barriers these young people face when accessing mental health services.

In response, we have implemented mental health and neurodevelopmental screening for young people attending YJA, as well as developing a direct referral pathway from YJA to CAMHS.

We have found community outreach improves engagement with the service and we offer prompt follow up (within 10 days) appointments post release from Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre as per regional guidelines.

The CAMHS youth justice service practice incorporates principals of cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic or family interventions, pharmacological interventions and assessment.

We have had some great outcomes using this service model and our plan is for ongoing development to continue to meet the complex needs of these young people, their families and/or carers.

I have a passion for working with this often marginalised group and value the opportunity to be part of the Nursing in Justice and Forensic Forum to help drive new innovations aimed at improving services and health outcomes for these young people.