Experiences of Young Offenders and Health-care Professionals Involved in Transitions from Forensic Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction

Transitions from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services have been quite troublesome for young people in the UK. There is strong evidence throughout the literature that long waiting lists and rigid adult services criteria hamper dramatically transitions across services. Little knowledge exists about transitions from forensic adolescent services to adult services.

Objectives

To interview health-care professionals and young offenders in transition of care from forensic child and adolescent mental health services in England.

Aims

This study aimed to bridge the current literature gap in regards to transitions across forensic services and the complexities resulting from disruptive care.

Methods

This study adopted a prospective design to identify young offenders referred to adult services over a six-month period. We utilized semi-structured interviews. Health-care professionals were interviewed about their transition views and perspectives. Young offenders were followed-up within a month of their transition and were interviewed.

Results

The numbers of transitions within forensic settings are much lower compared to those of general transitions across mental health services in England. Transition delays were a repetitive theme across interviews due to lack of bed availability, especially in medium secure hospitals, and poor multi-agency communication. Commissioning determines age boundaries along with transfer destination for each service.

Conclusions

Ineffective liaison among different sectors might impact adversely young people and hallmark their long-stay in the system. Therefore, continuity of care within forensic services should be looked warily along with the role of policy shaped by commissioning. Multiple transitions can repeatedly traumatize young people moving across services.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.