Young People's Mental Health JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number 1 = highest priority
1	Source	NICE Guidance
	Title incl. web link	Self-harm: assessment, management and preventing recurrence Overview \| Self-harm: assessment, management and preventing recurrence \| Guidance \| NICE
	Summary	Resource for professionals working with young people who self-harm which includes: Psychosocial assessments by trained mental health professionals Involving family members where appropriate Aftercare planning to reduce recurrence Training for staff in schools, healthcare and social care settings Recommendations for early intervention and safer prescribing practices
	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Mental Health for Children and Young Adults https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/
	Summary	An overview of mental health support for children and young people, including: Access to mental health services through GPs, schools, and local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Self-help resources and digital tools like apps and helplines Support for parents and carers to help them understand and respond to mental health issues in teens.
2	Source	Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
	Title incl. web link	Child health inequalities driven by child poverty in the UK - position statement Child health inequalities driven by child poverty in the UK - position statement \| RCPCH
	Summary	Poverty is a primary driver of child health inequalities, including mental health. The RCPCH calls for cross-sectoral action to address the root causes of poverty, including housing, education and social care. The RCPCH advocates for early intervention and integrated services to mitigate the long-term impact of poverty on mental health.
	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Mental Health of Children and Young People in England (2022) https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2022-follow-up-to-the-2017-survey
	Summary	In 2022, 1 in 4 young people aged 17-19 had a probable mental disorder. Children in households with reduced income or food insecurity were significantly more likely to have a mental disorder: 28.6% of children with a probable mental disorder lived in households with reduced income 14.8% of 17-22 year olds with a probable mental disorder reported food insecurity, compared to just 2.1% without.
3	Source	NICE Guidance
	Title incl. web link	Social, emotional and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education Recommendations \| Social, emotional and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education \| Guidance \| NICE
	Summary	This guideline outlines how schools can support mental wellbeing from early years through to post-16 education: Whole-school approaches are recommended to promote inclusion, psychological safety, and relational support. Emphasises early identification of children at risk of poor mental health, including those with SEN or frequent absences. Encourages targeted support for transitions (e.g. starting school, moving to secondary) and for children with additional needs
	Source	ONS
	Title incl. web link	Educational experiences of young people with special educational needs and disabilities in England: February to May 2022 Educational experiences of young people with special educational needs and disabilities in England - Office for National Statistics
	Summary	Young people with SEN often experience emotional distress due to unmet needs, exclusion, or lack of tailored support. Punitive responses to behaviour linked to SEN (e.g. isolation, exclusion) can worsen mental health. Positive mental health outcomes are linked to empathetic staff, individualised support plans, and inclusive environments
4	Source	NICE Guidance
	Title incl. web link	Looked-after children and young people Overview \| Looked-after children and young people \| Guidance \| NICE
	Summary	The guidelines provide recommendations for supporting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children: Emphasises the importance of stable placements, nurturing relationships, and positive identity development. Recognises that looked-after children are at higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Recommends multi-agency collaboration to improve outcomes in education, health, and social care
	Source	National Centre for Social Research
	Title incl. web link	New report reveal long-term outcomes for UK care-experienced children New report reveals long-term outcomes for UK care-experienced children \| National Centre for Social Research
	Summary	The report reveals stark disparities: Care-experienced children had four times more cautions or convictions than their peers They were more likely to experience mental health problems, educational failure and economic disadvantage The report calls for early intervention, trauma-informed care and systemic reform to improve life chances.