New blueprint for improving the mental health of children and young people

Date: 30th July 2019
Category: Mental health

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COSLA and Scottish Government have jointly published the recommendations of the Children & Young People’s Mental Health Taskforce, setting out a blueprint for improving the mental health of young people in Scotland.

The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Taskforce was jointly commissioned by Scottish Government and COSLA to develop a whole system approach to children and young people’s mental health in Scotland. The aim of the Taskforce was that children, young people and their families should know they will be supported and will be able to access help for mental health issues.

The report recommended that the work of the Taskforce be taken forward by a new programme board – the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme Board. This new Board will be jointly chaired by Scottish Government and COSLA representatives, with membership including local authorities, healthcare and social work representatives together with members of the third sector. The announcement also states that a participation officer will be responsible for making appropriate links with children and young people “to ensure that a level of co-production applies, and their voices are at the centre”.

Between now and 2020, the Board is to take forward the recommendations of the taskforce and the Youth Commission on Mental Health. It will also oversee reform across relevant areas of education, health, community, children’s services and wider areas that impact on children and young people’s mental health.

• Find out more here.
• Read the Taskforce report and recommendations here.