Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) has contributed to two papers aiming to improve care for children in complex situations.
Between August 2024 and September 2025, representatives from Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), children’s social care, regional care cooperatives, NHS England and the Department for Education were brought together to form a peer collaborative. This was led by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.
Representatives were from seven areas of England looking at better ways to respond to children in complex situations.
The aim was to share learning, gather insight and build a shared vision for change.
The briefings are designed for leaders in social care, health, youth justice, police and education services.
Dr Kate Ward, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at CNTW, and Cath McEvoy-Carr, Director of Children and Families at Newcastle City Council, joined the collaborative and shared insights into the Future Focus and Trusting Hands services. These services are delivered in partnership between CNTW and local authorities.
Future Focus and Trusting Hands work closely with organisations and young people who have experienced developmental trauma. Their approach is rooted in compassion and reflection, aiming to better understand and respond to the needs of young people.
Dr Ward said: “Future Focus and Trusting Hands seek to strengthen collaboration across health, social care, youth justice and education. Gaining a deeper understanding of young people’s histories is crucial to developing a shared understanding of their needs.”
Reflecting on involvement in the papers, Dr Ward added: “We are proud to be recognised as a model of good practice and have built strong multi-agency partnerships through the services we have established. We continue to work collaboratively to identify the most effective ways to support young people in achieving positive outcomes.”
The papers can be read below:
- Caring for children in complex situations: Five learning points and a case for change
- Caring for children in complex situations: Towards a new ecosystem