Multi‐Agency Collaboration: The Challenges for CAMHS

Abstract

The importance of multi-agency collaboration has been emphasised in virtually every piece of recently published guidance relating to the development of children's services including CAMHS. The Government Green Paper, Every child matters (DfES, 2003), which proposes the development of Children's Trusts, will further impact on this agenda. Surprisingly, there has been much less written about factors contributing to the success of multi-agency collaboration than there has about barriers to it. Research is beginning to emerge informing on key criteria required for the development of multi-agency collaborations for children with mental health problems. Much work remains to be undertaken on the use of language and definitions between agencies before a common understanding about children's needs and the services they require can evolve.

Health professionals in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams: Changing professional practice

“…Our evidence confirms the literature on teams, which highlight task interdependence, establishment of shared goals and values (Alter & Hage, 1993), and effective communication (Salmon, 2004); dimensions which have been viewed as facilitators of a shared team climate (West & Anderson, 1996).…”

“…A policy of multi-agency working acknowledges the interrelatedness of family needs in the fields of health, social services, law enforcement, child welfare, housing and education, and aims to make the delivery of services more efficient and effective (Salmon, 2004). There are numerous examples of recent government policy in the UK that seeks to put children and their families at the centre of care planning with agencies working together around them to deliver care.…”

Atenção básica e cuidado colaborativo na atenção psicossocial de crianças e adolescentes: facilitadores e barreiras

“…The partnership between public sectors, with specific functions, users and families requires modes of operation based on the recognition and legitimacy of the varied specialized or lay knowledge, as well as the establishment of innovative work processes that transcend traditional forms of articulation, in which services interact, but actually do not produce significant changes. National 5 and international 6 experiences have indicated possibilities and challenges in the development of intersectoral action, including users and family members. The innovative nature of experiences suggests the need for critical studies to enhance intersectoral and collaborative action, aiming to overcome inequities in access and ensure quality of care.…”

Integrated case management : a preliminary study to determine what helps and what hinders - the parent perspective

“…In the U.K. , as in many jurisdictions, collaboration is now either recommended practice or a legislated requirement (Salmon, 2004). Local school boards, such as School District #33, have embraced teaming as part of their student service delivery model (Downey, Mackie, Marchant, & Pratt, 1998), with the result that school based teams, case management teams, ICM Care Teams, and case conferences are now part of the culture of most schools.…”

“…However, they strongly indicated a need for comparative, longitudinal studies examining wrap-around interventions. Other authors also support the need for ongoing evaluation of collaborative services to children (Bruner et al , 1992;Pringle et al , 2002;Rutman, Hubberstey, Hume, & Tate, 1998;Salmon, 2004). Bruner et al contend that evaluations must be interactive and formative and Nicholson et al (1998) called for more research that includes the client voice in evaluation of practice.…”