- 07 August 2023
- 9 min read
Addressing The Pressure On Children's Paediatric Services: Embracing Trauma-Informed Approaches
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Unregulated placements, funding reductions, and an increase in vulnerable children are intensifying pressure on paediatric services. In this in-depth piece, Nathan discusses how a trauma-informed approach could help to resolve these issues.
In recent times, local authorities have been grappling with the challenge of caring for vulnerable children under social services' supervision. The national shortage of available local authority placements has forced authorities to resort to using empty hospital estate, unregulated placements, and paediatric inpatient environments as social admissions, intensifying pressure on paediatric services.
Consequently, the wellbeing of these vulnerable children is being compromised due to a lack of appropriate placements. To tackle this issue effectively, we must prioritise meeting the needs of this vulnerable group, focusing on utilising trauma-informed approaches that place emphasis on nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of this population and support sustained emotional stabilisation. This also includes, where necessary, the robust scaffolding of placements at risk of breakdown.
The Pressing Issue
A combination of factors has contributed to the scarcity of local authority placement options. Population growth, the rising demand for specialised care of vulnerable children who require care outside of the family home, and a reduction in funding in previous years have all played a role in exacerbating the situation.
Moreover, the number of vulnerable children has increased due to issues like neglect, abuse, and family crises, further straining the capacity to find suitable placements.
As a consequence, local authorities have been compelled to place children in unregulated placements that include paediatric wards and empty hospital estates.
The Impact Of Unregulated Placements
Unregulated placements represent a troubling aspect of the current childcare system. These placements often lack proper oversight and adherence to essential standards, leading to the potential of compromised care for vulnerable children.
The absence of necessary support and therapeutic services in such settings can significantly hamper a child's development, mental health, and overall well-being.
Without a regulated and nurturing environment, these children are at a higher risk of experiencing recurring trauma, hindering their healing and growth processes.
About this contributor
Head of Nursing, Children’s services
I am Head of Nursing, Children’s services at West Area Integrated Health Community. I have experience working as a specialist advisor for the CQC and a lead reviewer for the Royal College of Psychiatrists Quality Network for Inpatient CAMHS (QNIC).
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