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1. Geographically Kent and Medway cover a vast area further complicated by a complex weave of statutory body boundaries.  Statutory body divisions do not match across the county.  The Health Authorities are not only divided between East and West but they also function in very different ways, not only in service provision but also in terms of delivery of training and development.  Social Services are divided into three areas, each with their own Children’s Services Units.  They have a central training division which deals with the vast amount core post-qualification social workers need to undertake.  Education has recently undergone a huge restructuring into clusters within the districts.  Medway is a unitary authority in terms of education and social services.  Although it has its own Primary Care Trust it has many overlaps in terms of health with West Kent.  
2. Currently training is provided on an individual agency basis i.e. training departments in Health, Social Services and Education run separate in-service training courses.  Other than Child Protection there is no shared agenda of planning of such training courses.
3. There is variation of what is included in professional training across all agencies relating to mental health of children and families. 
4. There is no localised training for Specialist Mental Health Practitioners. The ENB 603 has all but ceased and there are now only 1 or 2 centres in the country offering the equivalence of this course. 
5. A greater number of people will be need to be recruited to work specifically with mental health needs i.e. Primary Mental Health Worker (Tier 1 & 2) and there are already recruitment difficulties.  
6. Specialist NHS CAMHS Teams (Tier 3) already face an overwhelming demand from agencies especially at Tier 1 to provide training.  It is crucial not to compromise these specialist teams.
7. This training is ‘adhoc’, and the demand to meet this need detracts from clinical practice. 
8. There is no system of accreditation or recognition of this experience. 
9. There are no 'in-between' courses – existing courses are either very specialised at national Centres of Excellence or very costly both in terms of fees, travelling & time away from service. Therefore no training at the various levels or opportunities for interested practitioners to 'test the water'
10. The mental health and mental well being of children has acquired a higher status on the political agenda and there are greater numbers of people involved in addressing children's mental health needs.  

Last edited 10/06/2004