Aims and MethodThis was a retrospective case note analysis of all referrals to an inner-London child and family consultation service aiming to examine any changes in patterns of referral and attendance of Bangladeshi and indigenous families over the previous 10-year period.ResultsBangladeshi referrals increased over the period but remained under-represented compared to indigenous families. They were less likely to attend an initial appointment, but once engaged with the service dropout rates were unaffected by ethnicity.Clinical ImplicationsImproved communication between the department, families and referrers may help to increase understanding of the function of the department and lead to more equitable uptake of services in the future.

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Aims and MethodThe aim of the study was to elicit the views of senior house officers in psychiatry across London regarding the factors that influence their decision whether to pursue a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. Postal questionnaires were sent to a random sample of all senior house officers on London psychiatry training schemes.ResultsOf the respondents who recalled being taught child psychiatry at medical school, 91% found it interesting and 73% found it useful. Of those who recalled having such teaching during psychiatric training, 90% found it interesting and 85% found it useful. However, this had no significant impact upon subsequent career choice. Experience of working as a senior house officer in child psychiatry did influence future career intentions. Trainees who identified such placements as providing good clinical experience or job satisfaction were significantly more likely to consider the specialty for a future career.Clinical ImplicationsConsultants and managers should create and maintain senior house officer posts that will encourage trainees to perceive the specialty as a future career.

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