§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the guidelines for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Fund, separately identifying the(a) criteria for inviting bids, (b) factors to be considered in evaluating bids and (c) timescale for bidding and implementation; and if he will make a statement. [39008]
§ Mr. BoatengWe expect to publish guidance in May giving full information about the specific grant to local authorities, in partnership with linked health authorities, for development of services for children and adolescents with a mental illness.
§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the needs not currently met from existing provision in respect of children's and adolescents' mental health care; what proportion of these needs will be met by the CAMHS Fund; what measures he plans to meet these needs in areas where CAMHS Fund money is not allocated; and if he will make a statement. [39007]
§ Mr. BoatengWe are aware of the variations in service provision for children and young people with mental health problems across the country. Social care regions, jointly with regional offices of the National Health Service Executive, have undertaken a number of region-wide surveys of provision for child and adolescent mental health services. They will enable appropriate action to be taken to help ensure a more even spread of service provision. Priorities for action have to be decided locally in the light of the assessed needs of the local population.
The child and adolescent mental health services fund is not aimed at filling gaps in existing services. It is intended to help support a small number of innovative pilot projects designed to develop good practice. Bids from local authorities, agreed with partner health authorities, will be invited shortly.