Service user perspectives of multiagency working: a qualitative study with children with educational and mental health difficulties and their parents

Recent policies recommend effective joint working between health and education; however, the views of service users are underrepresented, particularly opinions of young children.

The project was operational from 2005–2008 when interviews were conducted with parents and children. The children were attending CAMHS for mental health and educational difficulties.

Results indicated that they had a positive view of multiagency working. They consider that joint working is limited by a number of problems and make recommendations for improvement.

Findings indicate that more effective communication between agencies is needed and this should be provided for parents in an accessible language. This has implications for training professionals together.