Listening to the views of children with learning disabilities: an evaluation of a learning disability CAMHS service

J Intellect Disabil. 2013 Mar;17(1):51-63. doi: 10.1177/1744629512469923. Epub 2012 Dec 20.

Abstract

In line with Valuing People Now: A New Three-year Strategy for People With Learning Disabilities (Department of Health, 2009), this article details a service evaluation for a learning disability-child and adolescent mental health service (LD-CAMHS) in Chesterfield, North Derbyshire. The aim of the project was to produce a set of quality standards in order to ensure service users' needs are met. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven children between the ages of 11 and 17 years, with moderate to severe learning disabilities. Four themes were derived from a thematic analysis; the experience of the service, communication, impact of the work carried out, and difficulties encountered. It was recommended that staff working within the service should ensure communication is at a level appropriate for the client; offer a welcoming approach; provide an open approach; and offer a reasonable choice of location. This article provides suggestions for how other LD-CAMHS teams could use these standards for their own purposes.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services / standards*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / standards*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / standards*
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological*
  • Learning Disabilities / rehabilitation*
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • United Kingdom
  • Verbal Behavior