To ask the Minister of Health to detail any engagement his Department is having with the Department of Education to understand how many children experiencing emotional school-based non-attendance are also on the waiting list for support from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

My Department recognises the strong link between emotional wellbeing, mental health needs and school-based non-attendance amongst children and young people. This is reflected in ongoing engagement with the Department of Education and the Education Authority. Work is progressing across Health and Education to strengthen early intervention and ensure children receive appropriate support at the earliest possible stage. This includes regular collaborative and partnership working between schools, Health and Social Care Trusts, CAMHS and other community and voluntary sector services.

This work is also being considered within the wider context of the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Frameworks across Education and Health and the Mental Health Strategy, both of which emphasise early intervention, prevention and joined up working. As part of the approach, new investment supported the development of the CAMHS Emotional Wellbeing Team In Schools 3 year pilot. Its intention is to strengthen links between education and health services, support school staff, promote resilience and emotional wellbeing and help ensure children can access appropriate support before difficulties escalate or significantly impact on attendance.

At present, there is no regionally standardised dataset that captures data detailing the prevalence of ESBNA within wider CAMHS waiting lists. My Department is however working with the Department of Education to explore opportunities to strengthen data sharing and to improve our collective understanding of need across both education and health settings. This includes consideration of the factors contributing to school non-attendance associated with emotional wellbeing.

Children and adolescents who are experiencing emotional or mental health issues that is leading to non-attendance at school, and who meet the threshold for referral to CAMHS, can benefit from a range of therapeutic interventions.