title: Looked after children in Dublin and their mental health needs.
abstract: Children in care in Ireland have increased by 27% in the last decade. This population is recognized to be among the most vulnerable. This study aims to describe their placement histories, service use and mental health needs. Data was obtained on 174 children (56.5% of eligible sample) with a mean age of 10.83 (SD = 5.04). 114 (65.5%) were in care for three years or more. 29 (16.7%) did not have a SW and 49 (37.7%) had no GP 50 (28.7%) were attending CAMHS. Long term care, frequent placement changes and residential setting were significantly related with poorer outcomes and increased MH contact. Given the increase in numbers in care and the overall decrease in resource allocation to health and social care, individual care planning and prioritizing of resources are essential.
authors.affiliation: Lucena Clinic, 59 Orwell Rd, Rathgar, Dublin 6. fiona.mcnicholas@sjog.ie
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McNicholas
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bandyopadhyay
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Donovan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012112:Residential Facilities; D055815:Young Adult