(CECYP) Mental Health Provision
The provision for care experienced children and young people (CECYP) within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is suitable for those who have had experience of the care system. In line with the definition in The Scottish Government’s ‘Promise’, care experienced young people include those who are, or have been in foster, kinship or residential care, are adopted or are on a Compulsory Supervision Order (CSO) at home (previously known as ‘Looked After at Home’). Please note that variations in practice may be necessary to address local context. Should they wish, referrers can contact their local team for advice or clarification.
CECYP referred to CAMHS may be offered a Choice appointment (initial assessment) or a consultation may be offered to the adults around a child or young person, depending on the child or young person’s situation and presentation. The referral will be triaged by CAMHS’ clinicians and assigned to the most appropriate pathway (CECYP pathway or the main CAMHS pathway). Risk and urgency will also be taken into consideration when determining how soon a young person needs to be seen.
If following initial assessment the child/young person is identified as appropriate for mental health input, they will be added to the CAMHS mental health waiting list for mental health partnership work. The referrer will be informed of the outcome.
C.M. & J.B. 29-07-25
Who can refer:
GPs, schools, social work, residential staff, CECYP nurses and other health professionals, such as Paediatricians.
Who to refer:
CECYP who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties and/or those for whom there are queries regarding possible neurodivergence.
Who not to refer:
Young people who have social work input but have not had experience of care and have not been on a CSO: they can be referred to the main CAMHS teams but will not be seen within the CECYP provisions.
How to refer:
Referrals can be made through the usual routes to CAMHS, via SCI Gateway or to the email referrals inbox for the appropriate area team:
North Edinburgh: loth.camhsnorthedinreferrals@nhs.scot
South Edinburgh: loth.camhssouthreferrals@nhs.scot
East Lothian: loth.camhseastlothianreferrals@nhs.scot
West Lothian: loth.camhswestlothian@nhs.scot
Midlothian: loth.camhsmidlothianreferrals@nhs.scot
Including the child or young person’s care experience history in your referral helps ensure it reaches the CAMHS’ CECYP provision.
Please briefly explain how the CECYP provision could support the young person and assist you or other professionals involved. If a consultation is preferred, please state this clearly and list the names and professions of those who should take part as well as their contact details.
