Child and adolescent mental health service in-reach to schools service: evaluation considerations

Semi-structured interviews with leads from the CAMHS In-Reach to Schools service in each health board identified a series of findings. 

The services provided by CAMHS In-Reach to Schools teams varied greatly in each health board, as well as how these services were delivered.

Some of the main service differences identified were whether health boards provided, or did not provide, direct support to children and young people, as well as to teachers and other education staff, to address their mental health and wellbeing needs.

The information collected by health boards to evaluate their CAMHS In-Reach to Schools service varied considerably. There were also large differences in how this information was being collected and managed. These differing approaches limit the opportunity to collate data across health boards.

The CAMHS In-Reach to Schools service was seen as crucial for shifting the culture in schools to be more open and to recognise the importance of emotional and mental well-being. Interviewees highlighted the importance of qualitative information, and the limitations of quantitative measures, to capture culture change in schools when evaluating the impact of the service.

A draft evaluation framework was developed that proposes quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the implementation and impact of the CAMHS In-Reach to Schools service. Potential methods and sources for collecting data for these indicators are suggested. This draft evaluation framework is intended to be built upon and refined.