Young people's and carers' perspectives on the mental health needs of looked-after adolescents

While the mental health needs of looked-after young people have been described in a number of clinical studies, the views of looked-after adolescents themselves concerning their mental health needs have only rarely been reported. This study used focus groups to elicit the ideas and experiences of looked-after young people in two local authorities in England. Front-line carers in the region were also surveyed. Young people and carers were agreed in highlighting the damaging effects of the discontinuity and change experienced in the looked-after system. Young people emphasized the importance of exercising choice and control when seeking and receiving support and identified the value of positive role models provided by 'survivors' of the care system. Carers reported high levels of risk behaviour, particularly self-harm, among young people in children's homes. These differing perspectives need to be openly acknowledged and negotiated within care settings in order that relevant and accessible therapeutic and support services can be offered to looked-after adolescents.