§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's priorities regarding child and adolescent mental health services. [40674]
§ Mr. BoatengThe importance of developing comprehensive child and adolescent mental health services was recognised as a medium term priority and objective in the Priorities and Planning Guidance for the National Health Service in 1996–97 and 1997–98, and 537W cross-referencing emphasis was included in the Children's Services Planning Guidance for Local Authorities issued in 1996. Enabling people of all ages with mental illness to receive effective care and treatment in the most appropriate setting in accordance with their needs is identified as a development area in the Priorities and Planning Guidance for 1998–99. Implementation of national policy guidance on child and adolescent mental health is being led by the regional offices of the NHS Executive in collaboration with social care regions. A number of reviews of services have been undertaken and local action plans developed.