A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability (normally measured as an IQ of less than 70) and difficulty with everyday activities which will affect a child for their whole life. Young people with learning disabilities tend to take longer to learn and may need support to:
A learning disability can affect young people differently; no two people are the same. Lots of people who have a learning disability go on to work, have relationships, live alone and get qualifications.
If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability, they may see a range of health professionals to get the support they need. Starfish (LD CAMHS) and Starfish Plus are services that support children, young people, and their families.
Starfish Learning Disability Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Starfish LD CAMHS) offer assessments and interventions to children/young people who have a diagnosed learning disability where there are concerns about their mental health and/or distressed behaviour.
Starfish offers a service to children and young people from the time they start school until the age of 18 years old.
At the point of referral, we require evidence of a diagnosed learning disability AND information about the reason for the referral. For example:
Starfish does need evidence that the child has a learning disability, and the team will look for this information in different ways. We may ask for more information to help ensure Starfish LD CAMHS is the right service for the child or young person.
The team has a range of offers that are tailored according to the child or young person's needs. These include:
The aim of the intervention is to understand what is happening for the child or young person and to find ways to enable them to achieve their best health and wellbeing.
A Starfish LD CAMHS consultation line is available for parents/carers and professionals in need of assistance. Please contact us using the telephone number below for more information.
Referrals to Starfish LD CAMHS will be accepted for children/young people provided they are:
Starfish LD CAMHS accepts self-referrals and referrals from all agencies e.g. GP, social care, voluntary sector.
Referral to Starfish LD CAMHS is made via Single Point of Referral (SPOR) form. Please ensure you clearly mark Starfish as the service required.
The information that is included in this form helps Starfish make decisions. Please provide as much information as you can to help the team understand the need and what is being asked for.
It is also important for the parent or carer to consent to the referral. A parent or carer must sign the referral form.
Please ensure that alongside the SPOR form, you send evidence that the child/young person has a diagnosed learning disability, together with any educational psychology reports that may have been undertaken, and evidence of school attainment levels.
Our consultation line for families, carers, and professionals is unmanned but we aim to respond to messages within 2-3 working days. Please outline your concerns and/or describe the areas in which you would like help.
Tel: 01603 272319
Alternatively, you can email or write to us:
Email: eec.starfish@nhs.net
Post: Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, NR2 3TU
Starfish Plus is an intensive mental health service for children and young people with learning disabilities in Norfolk. We work with children and young people when there is usually a high level of concern about their mental health. We understand that some children and young people express their distress through behaviours. This means that many of the referrals we receive describe concerns about behaviour(s)
Starfish plus is a small team and work with a small number of children and young people. We would offer assessment and intervention for children and young people who:
Starfish plus firmly believe that all children and young people with learning disabilities, when they are experiencing a mental health crisis should be given the right care and intervention to remain at home, with their loved ones and be able to live safe, happy and fulfilled lives. Starfish plus will complete a multi disciplinary assessment to understand the young person’s mental health needs and work in a individualised way for each young person. Starfish plus see children and their families at home and in any other places that are important for the young person.
Referrals into Starfish+ are made via a conversation with a team member. You can ask for this by emailing eec.starfishplus@nhs.net Starfish plus do not have a referral form- this because decisions about a role for Starfish plus are best made in a conversation between Starfish plus and the people who know the child and young person well. We accept referrals from any one – this includes children and young people and their families.
Starfish and Starfish plus work closely together to ensure each child and young person is supported in the best way and their needs are met. If a young person is already known to Starfish, Starfish will also work in partnership with Starfish plus to consider if there is a need for intensive intervention. Many of the young people we see are on the Dynamic Support Register.
Dynamic support register and Care (Education) and Treatment Review policy and guide
Our consultation line for families, carers, and professionals is unmanned but we aim to respond to messages within 2-3 working days. Please outline your concerns and/or describe the areas in which you would like help.
Tel: 01603 272319
Alternatively, you can email or write to us:
Email: eec.starfishplus@nhs.net
Post: Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, NR2 3TU
Referrals
Please find detailed information about the referral process for each service above.
Address: The Single Point of Referral Office, Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, NR2 3TU.
Telephone: 01603 508958
Email: childrenscommunityreferrals@nchc.nhs.uk
For on-line resources to help support your child's neurodevelopment needs, see the ND Digital Library for parents and carers.
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