Paediatricians are increasingly likely to encounter children and young people with mental health difficulties, either as primary presentations or as comorbidities linked with chronic illnesses. However, paediatricians may have limited training or experience regarding the tools available to identify mental health needs and how to use these tools. The current paper aims to provide a go-to guide for paediatricians when considering the use of mental health and well-being outcome measures, including how to select, administer and interpret measures effectively. It also provides practical guidance on the most common mental health outcome measures used in children and young people’s mental health services across the UK and elsewhere, which paediatricians are likely to encounter in their practice. Paediatricians may also find these measures useful in their own practice to screen for potential mental health difficulties, monitor the impact of chronic health conditions on a young person’s mental health and well-being, or to provide evidence when referring young people to mental health services.

It is the duty of adults in the network around young people (e.g., parents/carers, educators, professionals) to meet their different needs. If a young person becomes involved in youth crime and violence, it is because the network has not identified, acknowledged, or met a young person’s difficulties, disadvantages, or needs. Research indicates a gamut of possible constructs indicating needs and strengths, and the aim of the present research was to identify constructs with evidence of association with youth crime and violence amongst 6-18 year olds. We conducted a systematic review of systematic reviews and, from 4,819 identified hits, included 30 systematic reviews. Constructs with more consistent evidence of protective association were rejection or absence of drug or alcohol use, positive family relationships and support, and education and employment opportunities. Constructs with more consistent evidence of being a need were low empathy, dating abuse (both perpetration and victimisation), and bullying perpetration. There is an urgent need for routine, ongoing, and co-produced assessment of children and young people’s needs in order to achieve equity in positive outcomes for all children and young people.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to everyday life for children and young people. The aim of this study was to examine professionals' views on the mental health problems and vulnerabilities of children and young people during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a secondary analysis of an online survey completed by mental health professionals in the UK between 22 April 2020 and 12 May 2020. The final sample was N = 601 professionals who at least partly worked with children and young people. Quantitative and qualitative survey data showed that professionals were concerned about young people experiencing economic disadvantage and young people from minority ethnic groups, as pre-existing social inequalities resulted in increased risk of infection and reduced access to physical and mental health care. Professionals were concerned about young people with little family support and young people at risk of relapse or deterioration in mental health, reporting the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health difficulties and challenging behaviours. Further research, involving young people as researchers, is needed to explore the continued impact for children and young people, and their families, including in comparison to their experiences before the pandemic.

Young People Team, to support the development and implementation of the Framework for Integrated Care across the children and young people secure estate. He also acts in an advisory, non-decision-making role to the national evaluation of the framework for integrated care (SECURE STAIRS). No other authors have declared any competing interests. Data availability statementThe data that supports the findings of this study are available from the research team