Joint Working between Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the Department of Social Services: The Leeds Model

Abstract

Government advice stresses the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly with regard to the protection of children. This article describes the development of productive and mutually supportive working relationships between health and social services in Leeds. A monthly, multidisciplinary prioritizing panel reviews all referrals from social services to therapeutic resources. In exchange for a reduction in referrals, through the process of prioritization, there is a much faster response to those referrals accepted. In addition, regular consultation and training is provided by senior health service staff to Social Services staff who are, of necessity, having to manage more cases without referral on. With time, the system has led to improved working relationships between the two organizations, an increase in therapeutic resources, and the development and sharing of good practice in child protection. In Leeds, working together has raised standards in child protection practice.