Satisfaction with a child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) intellectual disability service

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess whether a tier four mental health of child and adolescent intellectual disability service was meeting the complex needs of children and families by evaluating performance on key characteristics of a "model service'' identified by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2004. Design/methodology/approach - Questionnaires assessed all areas of a "model service" for parents and children, and were sent to the 68 consecutive referrals received within an 18 month period. A postal survey response rate of 42.6 per cent (parents) and 11.7 per cent (children) was achieved, and the final sample was found to be representative of the consecutive case series as a whole. Findings - The service showed excellent performance on all indicators, suggesting it is operating a "model service'' as experienced by service-users themselves. Practical implications - Issues raised included the need for families to have greater information prior to assessments; clearer explanation of the limitations of the service when families are first seen; and review at the completion of intervention to highlight continuing treatment needs. Originality/value - The paper may assist in the development of CAMHS for children and young people with learning disabilities.