Born 11 weeks prematurely, and placed straight into local authority care, Leo has foetal alcohol syndrome (mental and physical impairments caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy). He was adopted at 18 months old, and has attachment disorder, which can cause difficulties in managing close relationships. His behaviour can be violent and aggressive. Sometimes he says he wishes he were dead.
Leo's parents believe he has a mental health problem and needs urgent treatment – and possibly medication to help manage his symptoms. But he's been on the waiting list for specialist NHS child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) for more than 18 months now. And while he was predicted above average achievement for his age by the end of primary school, having not attended school full time since last September, he is falling behind academically.
Headteachers say better mental health services are needed, not more guidelines telling schools how to make referrals.
[For more of this story, written by Janet Murray, go to http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jul/29/chilld-and-adolescent-mental-health-service-failing-children]
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