Use of psychotropics among looked after children: an audit in the Borough of Lambeth

Key messages Looked after children and young people (LAC) are a very mobile population, and risk being lost within networks of professionals. Historically, partly due to this mobility, partly to the difficulties in accessing psychological therapies, some LACs were started on psychotropic medication as first-line treatment. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellent (NICE) recommends that children and adolescents should receive specific psychological therapies as first-line treatment in most mental health disorders, before medication is prescribed. This should apply to LAC as well. From our audit, there is evidence that there is a change in practice. Good communication between primary care and the Children Looked After Mental Health Service (CLAMHS) has been key to ensuring that Lambeth LAC's care is in accordance with the NICE recommendations.