Type of service: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Hospital services, Residential services

The forensic CAMHS at Ardenleigh is a 20 bedded, mixed gender unit for young people up to the age of 19. It provides assessment, treatment and care for young people who are experiencing complex mental health difficulties and pose a significant risk to others and who may also present a risk to themselves. The forensic CAMHS service at Ardenleigh undertakes comprehensive assessment and treatment of all young people in our care. Comprehensive assessment includes opinion on diagnostic, psychological and risk formulation. Assessments include detailed analysis of physical and mental health needs, social care needs, educational and vocational needs and needs with respect to family functioning and peer relationships. Therapeutic approaches and interventions are needs driven and implemented by the multidisciplinary team, in order to meet the holistic needs of young people. These interventions are informed by best evidence in the field and at times can be highly individualistic in nature due to the complexity of needs within their varied case mix of young people. The James Brindley Centre for Learning provides integral educational input to the unit. This includes a comprehensive educational programme matched to individual young persons needs. Referrals need to be supported by relevant psychiatrist and identified PCT or other alternative regional health funding arrangements. The young people may be identified by other agencies but always have to be referred by health. Self referrals are not accepted. Volunteers may be accepted to work with service users via the BSMHFT scheme where CRB checks have been carried out and the volunteers have a secure services induction.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour