Agenda and minutes

The Chair Welcome Members and Officers to the meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

Apologies were received from the following County Borough Councillor L De- Vet, it was also acknowledged that County Borough Councillor H Fychan would join the meeting late due to work commitments.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive a presentaion updating Members on the Child and Adolesent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Chair welcomed Ms K Burton CAMHS Manager and Dr A Munoz-solomando to the Committee and explained that Officers from both Children’s Services and Education Services are also present if there are any questions relating to these areas.

Members were presented with a Power Point presentation from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

The newly appointed Service Manager explained that the presentation would provide Members of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee with an overview of the work carried out by the Service over the last 12 Months, along with New Investment, Key Improvements and the future vision and plans for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg CAMHS.

Members were reminded that CAMHS is not one entity but made of many services working together to provide a service for the mental health and wellbeing of all that need it. Below are some of the areas that exist within the service:

·         Single Point of Access;(SPOA)

·         Primary CAHMS(PCAMHS)

·         Specialist CAHMS (SCAMHS)

·         Crisis Team;

·         Community Intensive Therapy Team (CITT)

·         First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

·         Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service (YPDS)

The Service Manager explained that there is a  range of clinical staff, Consultants, Speciality Doctors, Trainee Doctors, Psychologists, Therapists, Family Therapists, Nurses , Social Workers, Specialist Pharmacists, Dieticians, Administration staff  who all work together to provide a service for our young people who need support.

Members were presented with an update of new investment that the service has received from Welsh Government. It was explained that Welsh Government had invested a great deal in the service. The Eating Disorder service has recently received investment which is pleasing to see and the Clinical Lead explained that there is a priority on a National level with regards to eating disorders and explained the new funding will help develop the eating disorder team which aims to ensure we have the right pathway for our children and young people.

 It was explained Welsh Government has allocated new money for across Wales from April 2021. The sum of £ 5.4 million has been allocated specifically to CAMHS for the whole of Wales, however we don’t know how this is going to be distributed at present but hopefully we will be able to update you in the near future.

Members were also informed of the development of the wellbeing service and the work that has been put in place from the funding received by ICF.

In respect of key improvements Ms Burton explained that a new management team has been set up to help turn the service around and there are exciting times ahead. There is a renewed focus on joint working opportunities, working with local authorities and building relationships with partner agencies is a main focus.

Members were pleased to see the progress of the development of the wellbeing and emotional wellbeing service and were keen to learn about the KOOTH online therapy service. Open access with a go live date for the 12^th April 2021 with loads of information on line where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members for the input and explained the next meeting will be held on the 24^th March 2020.