Publications

Infant Mental Health

Early Years and Early Intervention: A Joint Scottish Government and COSLA Policy Statement (March 2008)

This document sets out a joint approach to early years and early intervention by the Scottish government and COSLA. It describes how early years and early intervention support the purpose and national performance framework, and proposes a list of tasks to be taken forward as part of the early years framework.

Growing Up in Scotland is a study tracking 8,000 children through childhood and into their teens. It is being carried out by the Scottish Centre for Social Research. Here is a selection of their publications:

Health Inequalities in the Early years (2010) Research Findings (2010)

Maternal Mental Health and its Impact on Child Behaviour and Development (2010) Research Findings (2010)

Children's Social, Emotional and Behavioural Characteristics at entry to Primary School (2010) Research Findings (2010)

The Circumstances of Persistently Poor Children (2010) Research Findings (2010)

The Impact of Children's Early Activities on Cognitive Development (2009)

Parenting and the Neighbourhood: Context Report (2009)

Multiple Childcare Provision and its effect on Child Outcomes (2009)

Infant Mental Health: A Guide for Practitioners (March 2007)

This guide will be of interest to those working with infants, their parents and carers, and those engaged in educating children, young people and adults in issues around childcare and parenting. Published by HeadsUpScotland.

Joining the dots: A better start for Scotland’s children (March 2011)

This is an independent report by Professor Susan Deacon, commissioned by the Scottish Government. It suggests that better connections should be made between the research, evidence and good practice that currently exist.

Positive Behaviour in the Early Years: Perceptions of Staff, Service Providers and Parents in Managing and Promoting Positive Behaviour in Early Years and Early Primary Settings (2008)

This research project explored perceptions of staff, service providers and parents in managing and promoting positive behaviour in early years and early primary settings in two local authorities. Commissioned by the Scottish Government.

Pre-Birth to Three: Positive Outcomes for Scotland’s Children and Families - National Guidance (2010)

This national guidance replaces the earlier document: "Birth to Three: Supporting our Youngest Children". It recognises the importance of pregnancy and the first years of life in influencing children’s development and future outcomes. The purpose of this guidance is to help inform and support all adults who work with and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children. Published by Learning and Teaching Scotland.

Promoting Children’s Mental Health within Early Years and School Settings (2001)

This guidance has been written for local education authorities, schools, early years settings and child and adolescent mental health services. It has been produced as a result of increasing recognition of the importance of promoting all children’s mental health and emotional well-being and the importance of working together to promote this. Published by the Department for Education and Employment.

The Early Years Framework (December 2008)

The Early Years Framework Part II (December 2008)

This framework seeks to maximise positive opportunities for children to get the start in life that will provide a strong platform for the future success of Scotland. Produced by the Scottish Government and COSLA.

Looked After Children and Young People

Celebrating Success: What Helps Looked After Children Succeed (2006)

This study was undertaken by the Social Work Inspection Agency, previously the Social Work Services Inspectorate. It is published as one of several supporting documents for a wider review of services and outcomes for looked after children, the main report of which is entitled Extraordinary Lives.

Children Looked After Statistics 2007-08

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Extraordinary Lives: Creating a Positive Future for Looked After Children and Young People in Scotland (2006)

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate what good care for children and young people who are looked after by local authorities looks like, to identify good practice and to recommend in what ways care can be further improved. It is intended for everyone concerned with looked after children and their families, and those involved in developing and improving children’s services.

Getting it Right for Every Child in Kinship and Foster Care (2007)

The purpose of this kinship and foster care strategy is to demonstrate the commitment of the Scottish Government and local government, firstly to the children and young people concerned and secondly to those who care for them.

Higher Aspirations, Brighter Futures: National Residential Child Care Initiative Overview Report (2009)

Higher Aspirations, Brighter Futures: NRCCI Matching Resources to Needs Report (2009)

Higher Aspirations, Brighter Futures: NRCCI Commissioning Report (2009)

Higher Aspirations, Brighter Futures: NRCCI Workforce Report (2009)

The Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care was commissioned by the Scottish Government to lead a National Residential Child Care Initiative. This involved a review of residential child care services and the development of a strategy to shape the future direction of services and ensure the needs of children and young people are met. Above are the publications stemming from this initiative.

Improving the Education of Looked After Children: A Guide for Local Authorities and Service Providers (2009)

This document is based on the key findings of the national research of Scottish Government-funded pilot projects in 18 Scottish local authorities carried out by the University of Strathclyde between 2006 and 2008.

Keeping them in the Family: Outcomes for Abused and Neglected Children Placed with Family or Friends Carers Through Care Proceedings, Research Brief (2008)

This project followed up a cohort of 113 children, removed from their parents’ care by the courts because of child protection concerns, who were then placed with members of their extended families or social networks. Published by the Department for Children Schools and Families.

Looked After Children & Young People: We Can and Must do Better (2007)

This report is intended for everyone who is concerned with looked after children and young people and their families; elected members, local authority staff, staff in voluntary organisations, private providers, foster carers, health professionals and those involved in developing and improving children’s services.

Looking After the Family: A Study of Children Looked After in Kinship Care in Scotland (June 2006)

The objectives of the survey were to explore the policies, procedures and practices of the 32 local authorities in Scotland, in relation to the provision of kinship care, where children had the status of looked after children within the legislation. Published by the Social Work Inspection Agency.

Moving forward in Kinship and Foster care: Final Report on the GIRFEC in Kinship and Foster care Strategy (September 2008)

This report examines in detail recruitment, assessment and training of foster carers. It proposes an assessment framework for working with kinship carers and highlights best practice in supporting children and their carers.

Promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people (October 2010)

Quick Reference Guide (October 2010)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Protecting Children and Young People in Residential Care: Are We Doing Enough? (March 2008)

This report provides a national picture of three important areas of practice in residential services for young people: protecting children, planning for their care and using physical restraint. Published by the Care Commission.

Review of Research on Vulnerable Young People and Their Transitions to Independent Living (2007)

A research review by Scottish Executive Social Research, focusing on young people who have been looked after at home and those who have been looked after and accommodated by Local Authorities.

Suicide prevention for looked after children and young people: Practice Guide (2011)

This practice guide was written to protect looked after children and young people. It was requested by people in the field of social care and social work who care professionally for children and young people. Developed in partnership between the Social Work Inspection Agency (now Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland), the Care Commission, NHS Health Scotland, LGBT Youth, the Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government.

The Educational Attainment of Looked After Children – Local Authority Pilot Projects: Final Research Report (2008)

The research described in this report was commissioned by the Education Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Care and Justice Division. The broad aim of the research was to identify interventions that appeared to make the most differences in terms of both the educational experience and the educational outcomes of the looked after children and young people participating in the pilot projects.

The Health of Looked After and Accommodated Children and Young People in Scotland (June 2006)

This report considers what research tells us about the health of children and young people in general living in Scotland, and the looked after and accommodated population in particular.

The Quality of Fostering and Adoption Services in Scotland (2007)

A review by the Care Commission of the availability and quality of foster care and family placement services and adoption agencies.

These Are Our Bairns: A Guide for Community Planning Partnerships on Being a Good Corporate Parent (2008)

This document provides guidance to councils and their community planning partners on how to improve outcomes for looked after children and young people and care leavers, through better fulfilling their corporate parent function.

Time Well Spent: A Study of Well-being and Children’s Daily Activities (2006)

The main aim of the study is to provide a snapshot of the daily lives of a small number of looked after children across Scotland. This study was commissioned by the Social Work Services Inspectorate, now the Social Work Inspection Agency, as one of several supporting documents for a wider review of services and outcomes for looked after children, the main report of which is entitled Extraordinary Lives.

NHS - General

A Critical Review of the Literature on Children and Young People’s Views of the Factors that Influence their Mental Health (September 2009)

This study was commissioned in order to examine what children and young people themselves perceive to be important in affecting their mental health. The summary gives a good overview of this extensive report. Published by NHS Health Scotland.

Physical Activity and Mental Health: The Role of Physical Activity in Promoting Mental Wellbeing and Preventing Mental Health Problems: An Evidence Briefing (May 2008)

This is the report of an Evidence Briefing commissioned by NHS Health Scotland. It was carried out by the University of Glasgow and investigates the benefits of physical activity on promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health problems. Published by NHS Health Scotland.

Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds: Physical Activity & Mental Health in Children And Young People - Evidence Briefing Summary (2009)

This document outlines the findings of the Evidence Briefing above. Published by NHS Health Scotland.

Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds: Physical Activity & Mental Health in Children And Young People - Practitioners Briefing (2009)

This document is for practitioners who work with children and young people. It outlines the key findings of the Evidence Briefing above. Published by NHS Health Scotland.

Mentally healthy infants, children and young people: Principles for effective interventions (September 2011)

This briefing paper is for service managers and planners whose work involves children and young people. It focuses on outlining the principles of interventions informed by effectiveness evidence in promoting social and emotional or mental wellbeing. Published by NHS Health Scotland.

Promoting the Well-being and Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children and Young People (2004)

This document is a development framework for communities, agencies and specialists involved in supporting children, young people and their families. Published by NHS Education for Scotland.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Core Interventions in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (2006)

Quick Reference Guide

Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in Adults, Children and Young People: Understanding NICE Guidance, Information for People with OCD or BDD, their Families and Carers, and the Public (November 2005)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The Management of PTSD in Adults and Children in Primary and Secondary Care (2005)

Quick Reference Guide (March 2005)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The Treatment of PTSD in Adults and Children: Understanding NICE Guidance, Information for People with PTSD, Their Advocates and Carers, and the Public (March 2005)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Psychosis

Psychosis with coexisting substance misuse: assessment and management in adults and young people (April 2011)

Quick Reference Guide (March 2011)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Treatment and support for people with psychosis who use drugs and/or alcohol - Understanding NICE guidance: Information for people who use NHS services (March 2011)

This booklet is written for people with psychosis who use drugs and/or alcohol, but it may also be useful for their families or carers, or for anyone with an interest in psychosis and drug and alcohol use.

Schizophrenia: Core Interventions in the Treatment and Management of Schizophrenia in Primary and Secondary Care (December 2002)

Schizophrenia: Core Interventions in the Treatment and Management of Schizophrenia in Primary and Secondary Care (Update) (March 2009)

Treating and Managing Schizophrenia (Core Interventions): Understanding NICE Guidance - Information for People with Schizophrenia, their Advocates and Carers, and the Public (December 2002)

Schizophrenia: Understanding NICE guidance - Information for people who use NHS services (March 2009)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Research

Knowing Where to Look: How to Find the Evidence You Need - Psychological Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health in Children and Young People (2008)

This document is aimed at those who need to find and use evidence to develop and deliver services to support the emotional, psychological and mental health needs of children and young people. Produced by the National CAMHS Support Service.

Mental Health Improvement: Evidence and Practice

Guide 1: Evidence-based practice (2005)
Guide 2: Measuring success (2005)
Guide 3: Getting results (2005)
Guide 4: Making an impact (2005)
Guide 5: Selecting scales to assess mental wellbeing in adults (2008)
Case Studies (2004)

These guides aim to encourage, support and improve standards in the evaluation of mental health improvement initiatives. The guides are intended to help design evaluations that build on what is known about what works to improve mental health and that take account of the challenges of assessing the effectiveness of mental health improvement interventions. Published by Health Scotland.

Self-harm

A Qualitative Exploration of the Links Between Self-harm and Attempted Suicide in Young People

The purpose of this study was to explore the links between non-suicidal self-harm and attempted suicide in young people, and in so doing, to identify possible ways of reducing the risk of suicide among young people who self-harm. Carried out as part of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being Small Research Projects Initiative 2006-07.

Getting It Right for Children and Young People Who Present a Risk of Serious Harm: Meeting Need, Managing Risk and Achieving Outcomes (2008)

The information in this document will be of use to statutory and non statutory agencies charged with providing a service to children and young people who present a risk of serious harm. It will also be a benefit to managers and practitioners working in this field. Developed in collaboration with the High Risk Offenders Expert Group of the Youth Justice Improvement Programme and in consultation with managers and practitioners.

Responding to Self-Harm in Scotland - Final Report (2011)

This report was produced by the National Self-Harm Working Group to map out the next stage of activity in developing services and health improvement approaches. Published by the Scottish Government.

Self-harm: longer-term management (November 2011)

Self-harm: longer-term management (full guideline) (November 2011)

Longer-term care and treatment of self-harm: Understanding NICE guidance - Information for people who use NHS services (November 2011)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Self-harm: The Short-term Physical and Psychological Management and Secondary Prevention of Self-harm in Primary and Secondary Care (2004)

Quick Reference Guide (July 2004)

Self-harm: Short-term Treatment and Management: Understanding NICE Guidance - Information for People who Self-harm, their Advocates and Carers, and the Public (Including Information for Young People Under 16 Years) (July 2004)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Self-harm in children and young people: Handbook (2011)

This Handbook is designed to provide basic knowledge and awareness of the facts and issues behind self-harm in children and young people, with advice about ways staff in children’s services can respond. Published by National CAMHS Support Service, National Workforce Programme.

Truth Hurts: Report of the National Inquiry into Self-harm among Young People (2006)

This is the final report of the National Inquiry into self-harm among young people by the Camelot Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation. The report should serve as a turning point in understanding self-harm and be a launch pad for changes in the prevention of, and responses to, self-harm among young people in the UK.

Substance Misuse

Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action (February 2009)

This Framework sets out the strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland. Published by the Scottish Government.

Community-based Interventions to Reduce Substance Misuse Among Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Children and Young People (March 2007)

Quick Reference Guide (March 2007)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

NHS Health Scotland: Commentary on NICE Public Health Intervention Guidance - Community-Based Interventions to Reduce Substance Misuse Among Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Children and Young People (March 2007)

Summary (December 2007)

These Comments/Conclusions are intended to help organisations, professionals and others make use of the NICE Guidance in a Scottish context.

Drug Misuse: Opioid Detoxification (July 2008)

Drug Misuse: Psychosocial Interventions (July 2007)

Drug Misuse: Psychosocial Interventions and Opioid Detoxification, Quick Reference Guide (July 2007)

Treatments for drug misuse: Understanding NICE guidance, Information for people who use NHS services (July 2007)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2008

Published by ISD (Information Services Division) Scotland.

Early Response to Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse: Practitioners Guide

Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Fife Child Protection Committee have produced this guide to help practitioners in universal services (health and education) and specialist services to identify children who may be affected by their parents’ substance misuse and provide an early response.

Evaluation of Drug Interventions Programme Pilots for Children and Young People: Arrest Referral, Drug Testing and Drug Treatment and Testing Requirements (2007)

Produced by the Research Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Drug Education in Scottish Schools (March 2007)

This document reports findings from a multi-phase study conducted to examine the nature and effectiveness of current drug education practice in Scottish schools. It was prepared for the Scottish Executive Research Economic and Corporate Strategy Unit by a partnership comprising two agencies: the Institute for Social Marketing at the University of Stirling and The Open University, and Dr Bob Stradling and Dr Morag MacNeil of Rannsachadh Coimhearsnachd research consultancy and the School of Education, University of Edinburgh.

First Steps in Identifying Young People’s Substance Related Needs (2003)

This guidance is aimed at professionals who work in statutory or voluntary health, social care, education and the criminal justice system, providing a service to children and young people. It was Funded by the Drugs Strategy Directorate, Home Office.

Getting Our Priorities Right - Good Practice Guidance for Working with Children and Families Affected by Substance Misuse (2003)

This guidance has been drafted in consultation with people who work either with substance misusers or with children and young people, or both. The aim is to provide guidance for everyone who has an interest in the well-being of children and families. Published by the Scottish Government.

Hidden Harm: Next Steps, Supporting Children - Working with Parents (2006)

This document identifies, and brings together, a range of actions and initiatives that the Scottish Government is taking forward and will take forward, in partnership with a range of local partners – Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (ADATs), NHS Boards, local authorities, the police, the courts and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and their partner agencies – to improve the way in which agencies identify, protect and support children and young people living with parental substance misuse.

Hidden Harm: Responding to the Needs of Children of Problem Drug Users, The Report of an Inquiry by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (2003)

In this report, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the impact on children of parental problem drug use. For the first time ever, it assesses the number of affected children in the UK. It examines the evidence for significant harm to their health and well-being. It considers what is being done at present to help them and what more could be done.

Hidden Harm: Scottish Executive Response to the Report of the Inquiry by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (2004)

Published by the Scottish Government.

Identifying and Exploring Young People’s Experiences of Risk, Protective Factors and Resilience to Drug Use (2007)

The Home Office commissioned research in 2004 to explore risk, protective factors and resilience to drug use in
young people. This report highlights key findings from a literature review, analysis of the 2003 Offending Crime
and Justice Survey (OCJS) and a qualitative study of the views and experiences of a sample of young people from
the OCJS who could be considered resilient to drug use.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Young People: A Systematic Review of Published Reviews (2009)

This review of reviews relating to the impact of alcohol consumption on young people was undertaken between May and October 2008 by a research team based at the Institute of Health and Society at Newcastle University. The work was commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Interventions in Schools to Prevent and Reduce Alcohol use Among Children and Young People (March 2007)

Quick Reference Guide (November 2007)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

NHS Health Scotland: Commentary on NICE Public Health Intervention Guidance - Interventions in Schools to Prevent and Reduce Alcohol use among Children and Young People (November 2007)

Summary (April 2008)

These Comments/Conclusions are intended to help organisations, professionals and others make use of the NICE Guidance in a Scottish context.

Interventions to Reduce Substance Misuse among Vulnerable Young People - Quick Reference Guide (March 2007)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). This guide provides a summary of the main recommendations in the NICE guideline.

Mass-media and Point-of-sales Measures to Prevent the Uptake of Smoking by Children and Young People (July 2008)

Quick Reference Guide (July 2008)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

NHS Health Scotland: Commentary on NICE Public Health Intervention Guidance - Mass-media and Point-of-sales Measures to Prevent the Uptake of Smoking by Children and Young People (July 2008)

Summary (February 2009)

These Comments/Conclusions are intended to help organisations, professionals and others make use of the NICE Guidance in a Scottish context.

National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services - Good Practice Guide to Service User Involvement

This guide is designed to be used by all services regardless of size, source of funding, structure or client group. Published by the Scottish Government.

Predictive Factors for Illicit Drug Use Among Young People: A Literature Review (2007)

This report presents the results of a literature review on predictive factors for drug use among young people. Published by the Home Office.

Preventing the Uptake of Smoking by Children and Young People - Quick Reference Guide (July 2008)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). This guide provides a summary of the main recommendations in the NICE guideline.

Review of Evidence Relating to Volatile Substance Abuse in Scotland - Substance Misuse Research (2006)

Published by the Scottish Government.

Review of Grey Literature on Drug Prevention Among Young People: Review Summary (May 2006)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

Review of the Effectiveness of Treatment for Alcohol Problems (November 2006)

The purpose of this document is to provide information on the effectiveness of alcohol treatment. Published by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse.

Risk, Protective Factors and Resilience to Drug Use: Identifying Resilient Young People and Learning from their Experiences (2007)

This report presents the findings of a study exploring young people’s resilience to drug use. Produced by the Research Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office.

School-based Interventions on Alcohol - Quick Reference Guide (November 2007)

Published by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). This guide provides a summary of the main recommendations in the NICE guideline.

Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) National Report: Smoking Drinking and Drug use Among 13 and 15 Year Olds In Scotland in 2008

This is the most recent of a series of school surveys used to monitor and measure smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in Scotland. The survey was carried out in Autumn 2008 and was completed by over 10,000 pupils aged 13 years old and 15 years old across Scotland.

Services for Young People with Problematic Drug Misuse: A Guide to Principles and Practice (2002)

The aim of this document is to provide information and evidence to support the development of services for young people experiencing problems due to their own problematic drugs and/or substance misuse. The guide was authored by the Effective Interventions Unit and Nicola Richards, Programme Manager for the Partnership Drugs Initiative, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.

Supporting Families and Carers of Drug Users: A Review

The aim of this report is to provide a body of evidence and information that can underpin and support the design and delivery of support to families and carers whether that takes place through the statutory sectors, voluntary agencies and organisations, or from within the community. Published by the Effective Interventions Unit.

The Dynamics of Drug Misuse: Assessing Changes in Prevalence (2004)

This research uses data sources that are available at the local level to estimate the prevalence of problem drug misuse and to consider prevalence trends. Published by the home office.

The Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland's Drug Problem (2008)

Published by the Scottish Government.

Understanding Alcohol Misuse in Scotland: Harmful Drinking - Final Report (March 2008)

Published by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.

Understanding Problem Drug Use Among Young People Accessing Drug Services: A Multivariate Approach Using Statistical Modelling Techniques (2004)

This study is one of a number of studies examining drug use among vulnerable groups of young people to provide a clearer picture of their drug use. Published by the home office.

Young People’s Specialist Substance Misuse Treatment: Exploring the Evidence (January 2009)

This report is aimed at professionals who provide specialist substance misuse treatment services for young people under 18 years old. Published by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).

Young People With, or at Risk of Developing, Problematic Substance Misuse: A Guide to Assessment (2004)

This guide aims to provide information and evidence to support the effective identification of substance related needs among young people; and to inform the design and delivery of effective assessment for young people with problematic substance misuse. Published by the Effective Interventions Unit.

Suicide

Suicide prevention for looked after children and young people: Practice Guide (2011)

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