Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that children with social work involvement are able to access a dedicated pathway to mental health support.

The Government recognises the distinct issues faced by this group and local authorities and the National Health Service should be reflecting the high level of mental health needs amongst looked-after children in their strategic planning of services.

As part of our mission to build an NHS that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, the Government will recruit 8,500 additional staff across children and adult mental health services, introduce a specialist mental health professional in every school and roll out Young Futures hubs in every community.

We are also working to develop a new 10-Year Health Plan which will have a focus on transforming health services and we will engage with the public and relevant organisations on the development of the plan.