AQW 22528/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/02/2025
Answered On Date: 28/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment his Department has made in relation to the impact of the transition from school on the mental health of young people with special educational needs.

Answer:

Transition is recognised to be a time of increased risk of stress and negative emotions for families and young people. The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 is cognisant of transition from education as part of a wider series of interfaces as children enter adult health and social care (HSC) services.

Action 13 of the Mental Health Strategy sets out the Department's commitment to develop proposals for transitions between CAMHS and adult mental health services, engaging widely with all relevant stakeholders. Work is ongoing to take this forward.

In addition to this, a regional protocol to better manage HSC transitions has been developed with a pilot due to take place later this year