We aim to help young people who are struggling with their thoughts and emotions, and are putting themselves or others at risk. They may be in contact with the police about these behaviours.

• We help professionals and families to understand behaviour and challenges using a psychological understanding of difficulties.
• We teach people. We will meet with the people working with you and share our knowledge around working with young people with similar needs to you.
• We try to understand why you use behaviours that worry people. We will look at notes people have made and talk with them.
• We make recommendations to the people working with you. We help them see how we understand you, so that they can work with you in the best ways, to help you get your life on track!
• Our advice will be different for every young person because everyone has different need and goals!

The team is made up of professionals with a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Our team consists of a social worker, a mental health nurse, a psychologist/clinical lead, a psychiatrist, an assistant psychologist and a team secretary. We also sometimes have trainee psychologists. We work slightly differently to CAMHS. We won’t replace the people you already work with. Instead of meeting with you regularly, we mostly work with the adults who support you, to help them support you in the best way.

The FCAMHS South West (South), or Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service South West (South), is an NHS service that covers Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

What is the referral criteria?

As we mainly work with the people working with you, we would ask them to refer. If you think you would benefit from a referral, then speak to the adults around you. Any professionals involved with children meeting the inclusion criteria can contact the service. Young people and families can ask their GP or other professionals to refer.

Referrals will be via the Single Point of Access (SPA for Somerset).

Type of provision

Specialist - This is for a small group of people with significant special educational needs and disabilities and their families