Citation

Bailey S. Adv. Psychiatr. Treat. 2002; 8(2): 97-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/apt.8.2.97

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Violence by and towards young people has become a major public health issue. Increased lethality, more random violence and fewer safe places largely account for the high levels of fear experienced by both children and adults. In the field of child protection and domestic violence, where traditionally the child is referred as the victim not the perpetrator, child psychiatrists are well versed, practised and skilled in the assessment of children and families. However, young people are increasingly being referred to child and adolescent mental health teams for assessment because of violent acts that they have carried out. This is reflected in heavy case-loads of children with conduct disorder who have multi-morbidity and complex need. In England and Wales, health (including mental health), social care and education services are mandated to assist youth offending teams.

This all begs the question of what specific training and skills child psychiatrists are given or acquire to carry out this difficult task. This paper raises salient issues and presents possible frameworks within which this work might be undertaken.

Language: en