Mental health FAQs

In the work we have done with UASC in reception centres, we found that many were experiencing re-feeding symptoms due to being semi-starved on the journey thought Europe.

For a full description of the sleep packs and sleep work please see the Sleep pack training information.

As any Looked after Child, an unaccompanied child is eligible for free treatment.

For further information please see the Clinical guidance for primary care and GPs on the health needs of UASC and young people [pdf] 689KB

A UASC is a Looked after Child and is afforded the rights as any LAC.

This means that all aspects of promoting the health and wellbeing of LAC (statutory guidance) applies.

At the council, there will be a director of children's social services who will have the overall responsibility for the care of UASC. There is also likely to be assistant directors with specific areas of responsibility, a service manager and the young person's social worker.

There will also be a designated doctor and nurse for LAC.

GPs and primary care are key to supporting improved health outcomes for UASC in addressing immediate health concerns and making sure the ongoing health recommendations from Initial Health Assessment are completed. 

 

NHS number

NHS numbers are allocated through GP registration and all UASC are eligible to register with a GP practice using the Family Doctor Service registration Form (GMS1).  It is recommended this is carried out as soon as they arrive in the UK and prior to any move under the National Transfer Scheme.

HC1

The child's social worker should complete the HC1 form which will enable the young person to have support to pay for dental treatment, glasses or contact lenses or travel to receive NHS treatment.

Immunisations

Many UASC have missed immunisations and therefore should be immunised according to the UK Vaccination of Individuals with Uncertain or Incomplete Immunisation Status Schedule.

Screenings

Up to date guidance should be sought from Public Health England, but in Kent universal screening is recommended for TB and blood borne infections in light of the needs assessment. 

The  Kent needs assessment  also found a high prevalence of vision and dental needs within the population. 

This should be discussed/referred via your local safeguarding team in just the same way for any other child/young person. You need to pay particular attention to child sexual exploitation, trafficking and human slavery, missing, female genital mutilation and PREVENT policies for your area.

Kent Safeguarding Children's Board

Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership

Freedom from Torture

 Unaccompanied-children-Health Needs Assessment

 

There are no validated screening tools for UASC.

We have devised the  UASC-Distress-screening-thermometer which is part of our fitness to travel work.

In our Initial health assessment, we have been using the  Moods-and-Feelings-Questionnaire, a generic tool used by CAMHS.

Consent needs to be sought for UASC in the same way as for any looked after child, but making sure the information has been given to them in an accessible format. See Initial Health Assessment Consent translated materials and videos.

If they are Gillick Competent, they can provide their own consent, as long as this has been informed. Otherwise the council responsible for the child would give consent.

Find information about Blood Borne Infection consent and immunisation consent.

This will depend on what type of appointment you have with the child/young person.

For example it is important to have a translator at the initial health assessment, but it may not be possible when a young person is accessing emergency care. If you do not have a translator available, you can use language lines or the hospital communication book.

You will need to liaise with your contact within the council, to confirm whether they have a duty to provide an interpreter.

In Kent, interpreters were provided for all fitness to travel, initial and review health assessments.

There is a section on working with interpreters in the clinical guidance document.

Generally it will be the responsibility of the integrated care board (ICB) that covers the area in which the child or young person has declared their arrival in the UK.

However, if the UASC is to be moved under the National transfer Scheme, the receiving ICB will be responsible.

At this stage there is no additional funding for health.

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