Information for parents

Who we are

Forensic CAMHS is a specialist mental health service working with colleagues and young people under the age of 18 who reside or originate from Dorset.

We are a small team including a forensic psychologist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. 

We accept referrals from professionals when there is:

  • a concern about a young persons mental health
  • high risk behaviour that is causing concern.

Young people do not need to have had contact with the police to be seen by our service. 

What we do

FCAMHS focuses on the needs of  the young person, including:

  • giving advice to professionals
  • working with multiple agencies
  • meeting with professionals and the family/carers (where necessary).

We will consider your child’s mental health, how to best manage the risks and offer suggestions how to support your child.  If possible, we will discuss these plans with yourselves/carers and your child.  We may or may not meet  with you, depending on the required support .

We may contact you by phone, video-link, meet with you in person and/or send you letters.  

If you are unable attend an offered appointment please speak to a professional who works with you or your child. If you don’t wish to meet with us but professionals continue to be concerned we may still meet with them to discuss the situation.


What happens next?

Where appropriate, relevant information will be shared with the young person, yourselves and all professionals involved.

We will discuss different approaches that may meet the needs of your child or family and always take your wishes into consideration. 

We may offer ongoing support, remaining involved for as long as it is considered helpful.   

 

Feedback

We will ask you for feedback to help us develop our service.

If urgent help is needed

FCAMHS is not able to respond immediately as the team is not  available all week.

Therefore, If it’s an emergency and someone’s life is at risk dial 999. If it’s not an emergency but you need help fast dial 111.

Alternatively please contact your GP or Connection, a Dorset-wide 24/7 NHS mental health support helpline for all ages on 0800 652 0190 or Shout, a national 24/7 mental health text message service, free on most networks, on 85258.

Further helpful information can be found on the CAMHS Dorset website.

 

 

Dorset Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service