§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will publish its report on its study of children's mental health services. [86466]
§ Jacqui SmithThe only study currently being undertaken into children's mental health services is that by the child and adolescent mental health external working group for the children's national service framework (NSF). We will shortly be publishing a document, that will signpost the likely areas for inclusion in the NSF to assist with local planning. It is intended that the children's NSF will be published towards the end of next year.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much it will cost to transfer all children who are mental health patients from other in-patient units to specialist child and adolescent mental health services' in-patient facilities; and if he will make a statement. [86468]
§ Jacqui SmithThe information needed to estimate the cost is not available. We recognise the importance of treating children and adolescents in facilities appropriate to their age. The child and adolescent mental health module of the children's national service framework is addressing the development of standards for children's services, and the use of in-patient mental health care is being considered within the module.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of local joint strategies between local social services and child and adolescent mental health services have been approved by his Department. [86470]
§ Jacqui SmithAll local authorities and their health partners have agreed strategies for the development of child and adolescent mental health services. These 397W strategies are regularly updated as part of the planning process but there is no requirement for them to be submitted to the Department.