Children

ADHD and Autism Assessment

There is now a new referral process for children's ADHD and Autism assessment referrals.

Parents need to ask their child’s teacher or SENDCO or Speech and Language Therapist to call CAMHS on 01484 343184 to book an appointment for a telephone consultation.

Following this, if it has been deemed clinically appropriate for the child to be referred for assessment, the CAMHS clinician will advise the referrer (teacher/SENDO or Speech and Language Therapist) of the current waiting time for a full assessment from them and ask if they want the child to be added to the waiting list.

If the parent would prefer to have the assessment completed by a Right to Choose provider then they will be given a letter for the GP to make the referral, and will not be added to the CAMHS waiting list. The parent will need to tell the GP Surgery which Right to Choose provider they want their child referring to.

The child does not need to see a GP for this referral to be completed.

Changes to Children's Mental Health Services (including Northorpe Hall)

Update on the Kirklees Keep in Mind work stream - FAQs

What is the background to the changes in mental health support teams for young people?

From talking to service users, families, providers and stakeholders we believe that the current offer can be improved.

The current mental health offer for children and young people in Kirklees is fragmented, not equitable and not clear.

There are changes in the way these services are being funded as this financial year ends and the new financial begins. 

This provides an opportunity to develop a new model which will offer a more holistic, consistent service to children and young people; parents and carers; educational settings; and a new entry point to access support.

What has been going on to replace these services?

Since February 2023 we have been developing a new mental health offer for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health issues and their families. The new service is being developed under the name Kirklees Keep in Mind.

This will be a holistic offer for schools, children and young people, and parents, as well as offer a new entry pathway. The new offer will be based around good practise, national requirements and will reflect the feedback we have received from parents, families, people who work in educational settings and, most importantly, children and young people.

What is the aim of Kirklees Keep in Mind?

The aim is to develop a service with a single point of entry for young people in Kirklees postcodes so that children and young people can access the right services, in the right place and at the right time; by only having to tell their story once. By having one holistic assessment, it will improve the timeliness of support and identify wider context and environmental factors which may contribute to their poor mental health. Reflecting on engagement with local families and professionals, this will help ensure the correct services are involved at the earliest possible opportunity.

When can I expect to know how the new service will work?

•  end of February 2004 - the specifications for the service will be finalised following input from Kirklees Health and Care Partnership members.
• 13th March 2024 – the commissioning of the new service will be confirmed at the Kirklees Integrated Care Board Committee.
• 1 April 2024 - The Kirklees Keep in Mind service will officially start although there will be a period of time where services and service users transition into the new model.

I’ve been told a service is ending? What happens now?

People currently using the Kirklees services will continue to be supported. The process for new referrals will remain in place until the new model is operational.

Some current service providers will be coming to the end of their contract and will be informing their staff and partners they will not be providing this support past a certain date. Please be reassured that plans are in place to continue support within the new framework. As further details about the new pathways are confirmed, we will communicate how the transition will take place towards the new model following the timetable above.

How will I contact / access support from April 2024?

The details regarding the new pathways are still being developed but the plan is for:

Schools: