Domestic abuse puts children at risk. There is evidence that the health of these children is compromised. This thesis aims to explore whether specific health services to children living in refuges with their mothers who have fled domestic abuse should be targeted at this group. Method The epidemiological, comparative and corporate methods of health care needs assessment were used. Evidence for effective interventions to address the key health issues for this group of children was sought. Few other service models could be found against which to directly benchmark. Guidance for services to children in these circumstances was thus included in the review as a comparator. Professionals and Mothers were interviewed to explore their perspective on the needs of these children. Results Children in refuge have an increased risk of mental health problems and poor access to health services. They are more likely to have suffered maltreatment themselves. Refuges in Cardiff provide assessment and a programme of work and support for children. The specialist health visitor role uncovers unmet health needs in the under 5s. Professionals working with these children and their mothers are concerned about their mental health and are looking for more specialist CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) help. A number of barriers stand between children and the health services they need. Referral criteria are not clear and timeliness of services and continuity of care is an issue for mobile families. Conclusions A model for health service is suggested for children in refuge using the logic model method. The Primary Mental Health Worker role should provide the advice and expertise Tier 1 workers require and demystify the referral criterion for specialist CAMHS. Timing and continuity of care for appointments requires joint decision making and a flexible service. Health staff requires training to provide an acceptable and accessible service to vulnerable families.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:600601 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Brooks, Rachel M. |
| Publisher | Cardiff University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://orca.cf.ac.uk/58212/ |
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