§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned and undertaken in conjunction with the Home Office into(a) the provision of child and adolescent mental health services, (b) early intervention of educational psychologist services and (c) offending behaviour in young people; and if he will make a statement. [176058]
§ Dr. LadymanThe Department is working very closely with the Home Office and the Department for Education and Skills to establish a framework for the improvement of services for young people with mental health needs, including those at risk of offending behaviour. Developing a shared understanding of those interventions that are effective is essential to this programme of work.
The projects shown in the table have been funded jointly with the Home Office:
§ Dr. LadymanNone. However, we recognise that further work needs to be done to reduce the waiting time for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). To help achieve this and also meet our target of having a comprehensive service in every area by March 2006, in the three years to March 2006 we shall be investing an additional £300 million in CAMHS provided by the national health service and local authorities.
Decisions on the recruitment, retention and deployment of educational psychologists (EPs) are matters for local authorities as employers to determine in light of local circumstances and available resources.
The Department for Education and Skills, which has the lead Government responsibility, is aware there are shortages of EPs in some areas. It has facilitated discussions involving a range of partners, including representatives of the Local Government Association, on developing a new shorter entry training route for Eps.