Welcome
Over the last 6 months the ASD assessment team have been working on reviewing and updating our processes and the way we work to improve the assessment process as well as length of time people are waiting for an assessment.
Please see the linked document here to find out how CFHD have supported work on they way they work to improve assessment processes.
Whilst there is still progress to be made we want to keep families up to date with what is being done and welcome feedback to continue to help us make the improvements still needed. Please get in contact with us via email on CFHD.DevonSPA@nhs.net
As part of the work that we are collectively doing to improve services for children with autism we have been looking at feedback that we received from families. One of the things that we have heard is
“CAMHS won’t see my child whilst they are waiting for an Autism assessment”.
In response, CAMHS is commissioned to provide assessment and treatment meet the needs of Children and Young People with moderate to severe Mental Health needs. When a child or young person has indicators of a moderate to severe Mental Health need, CAMHS will offer assessment and treatment, even if the child is also waiting for an Autism assessment or other services. CAMHS will work closely with the Autism assessment team in this scenario. When a child or young person is waiting for an autism assessment and is showing signs of mild Mental Health or emotional wellbeing needs, these needs are likely to be better met by other community services rather than CAMHS (such as Young Devon, Kooth, Bisnet, Babcock or Early Help). CAMHS and the ASD team will offer advise and signposting to other services in this scenario.
DiAS have released Autumn dates for their free 2 hour online sessions:
Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Reviews – Myth busting parent sessions. Breaking through some of the misconceptions around the Education, Health and Care Plan review processes.
2nd November or 23rd November Online 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Demystifying SEND. For parents and carers of children with SEND about how to find clear information and support.
28th September, 20th October or 30th November 2021. Online 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Parent Workshop – Listening to Your Child’s Views. Helping your child to express themselves and tell you how they feel about life at school (and life in general) is important. It helps to make sure they get support that’s going to work for them. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the session.
18th October or 16th November 2021. Online 10.30am - 12.30pm. |
We want children and young people in Devon to enjoy experiences and activities that allow them to make new friends, learn new skills and feel confident and happy. For disabled children and young people, we do this through providing short breaks and activities, which also give parents and carers a break from the caring responsibilities.
In 2019 we started a project to look into our short breaks offer with a view to improve it. The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately meant that we had to pause that work in May 2020, but we’re pleased to let you know that we have now committed to move forward again.
We talked to lots of people, including parents and carers and children and young people, and learnt lots about how you felt about short breaks before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re keen to talk to more parents and carers, to find out if your feelings have changed over the past 18 months, or if you have had any experiences (good or bad!) that you want to tell us about.
Please fill out our new survey before the end of the month to help us build on what we’ve already heard, so we can use your feedback to shape our offer and provide fair, inclusive, and exciting short breaks that give children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to thrive both at home and within their communities.
Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)
In the past 6 months the PFA Team made over 30 referrals to Reaching for Independence (RFI) for 17 year olds. Our ambition is to consider every eligible 17 year old for RFI support to maximise the opportunity to increase their independence ahead of their 18th birthday. This will enable our young people to benefit from a goal focused approach, increased self-confidence and the ability to complete tasks of daily living.
RFI enablers have been working with young people on many life skills, such as: budgeting, household tasks, cooking, accessing the community - including using public transport independently, accessing housing options, exploring alternative accommodation and planning for house move.
The initial response has been very positive and we are currently working on gathering some detailed feedback from the young people and their families/support network.
- All 12-15 year olds will now be offered a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine following the Government’s announcement this week
- This will generally happen within schools, although there will be alternative provision for those who are home schooled or not attending for other reasons.
- Parents, guardians or carers will be asked for consent in line with existing school-based vaccination programmes.
- Where there is a discrepancy between child and parental views, the service provider, Virgin care, will contact the parent away from the vaccination session for a discussion and arrange a catch up vaccination if required.
- The immunisation service will manage any queries regarding this cohort of children so direct them to contact the service on 0300 247 0082 or VCL.immunisations@nhs.net
- For clinically extremely vulnerable children, parents will continue to be contacted by paediatricians and to call 01752 398836 or email Devon Vaccination Support to make the vaccination appointment.
- PHE resources for parents and young people, including posters and health information: Web Link
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