Could the named person scheme have a role in addressing mental health problems in vulnerable children?

ABSTRACT

The named person scheme is a Scottish government initiative that aims to improve the wellbeing of children by allocating a named person to every individual under the age of 18. The scheme has been supported by children’s charities who believe it will streamline services but viability of the project has been challenged with concerns over state intrusion, confidentiality and poor safeguarding. As yet dialogue surrounding the named person scheme has been scarce in the care community but opposition to the bill has been widespread. The worries outlined are likely to forecast future pitfalls and dilemmas when the scheme goes active therefore the sooner that caregivers and potential named persons start thinking about how to interact with this new tool the better. If due consideration is not given to both sides of the argument at this early stage, then there is a risk of alienating parents and driving them away from support rather than bringing them closer to it.

KEYWORDS:

• Named person
• Scotland
• government policy
• child and adolescent mental health

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Professor Helen Minnis for her guidance and to Professor Dinesh Bhurgra for his support in preparation for publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributor

Guy Chadwick is a 3rd year medical student at the University of Glasgow with a previous degree in Biochemistry.