Title: Working with social care to develop an intErvention to prevent mentaL heaLth proBlems in chIldreN accessinG early help and child welfare services: the WELLBEING study
Funder: Department of Health and Social Care

Abstract: Children and young people (CYP) in contact with social care services are at high risk of developing mental health problems. These problems, which can be common or severe are typically linked to a specific need (such as disability) or adverse childhood experiences. However, CYP in contact with social care services often experience multiple barriers to accessing timely, evidence-based intervention. These barriers include ambivalence to help-seeking, poor engagement and structural obstacles. Without their needs met, many of these CYP may develop persistent mental health problems and go on to have poor life chances. Early and brief preventative intervention can be effective at reducing mental health risk. However, much of this evidence is from research conducted in schools and health settings where CYP experience different risk and protective factors. Our project aims to work with CYP and the professionals who support them to determine which CYP (age, status with the care system and nature of mental health concern) should be targeted for support and to develop a preventative intervention to be delivered within social care that responds to their needs. Our specific objectives are to: Conduct a systematic review of reviews to examine best bet interventions to help prevent mental health problems in CYP Engage with children who are at mental health risk and are in contact with social care and parents/caregivers as well as social care and mental health practitioners, to identify risk and protective factors for the development of mental health problems in this population Identify factors malleable to change and the ways in which they could be intervened with by practitioners within children s social care, informing the development of a logic model/theory of change Co-produce a targeted preventative intervention which has been developed with children who are in contact with social care services, and the practitioners that support them.

Lay abstract: Children who come into contact with children s social care services are at risk of developing mental health problems. These children may go on to develop serious mental health problems and experience disadvantage that persist into adulthood. Little is known about how to prevent mental health problems in these children. This project aims to develop an intervention which social care practitioners can provide to children at risk of developing mental health problems. We will do this by: Examining what is already known about which interventions prevent mental health problems in children who are at mental health risk Talking to children who are in contact with social care, their parents, social care and mental health practitioners from the North East of England to better understand the needs of these children and how best to support them within social care Combining what we learn and share this with children (and parents if appropriate), social care and mental health practitioners in workshops. We will work in together to develop a new way of social care practitioners supporting children with mental health concerns. We will work in partnership with children who have contact with social care throughout this project. Children have contributed to the development of the project plan and will continue to do so throughout delivery. The research team includes a co-applicant with experience relevant to the project topic. This co-applicant will assist with the successful delivery of the project. On completion of the project, we will explain our findings in difference forms: In summaries which we will provide to participating children, parents/caregivers and practitioners To practice communities via the Associate Directors of Children s Services network In a minimum of two peer reviewed publications We will apply for further funding to test the effectiveness of the intervention.

Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: MENTAL HEALTH