New Bitesize Training Launched to Strengthen Support for Children in Care

New Bitesize training has been launched for social care professionals, designed to strengthen understanding of the universal mental health offer available to all children in care and to provide timely updates on new developments across services. The training will act as a practical refresher for professionals, helping ensure that no child’s changing needs go unnoticed and that the right support is accessed at the right time.

Central to the programme is the importance of being ACE responsive, recognising how Adverse Childhood Experiences can shape behaviour, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes. The training introduces the city-wide framework for addressing the impact of ACEs, equipping practitioners with a shared approach to trauma-informed practice. It also clarifies the enhanced consultation process, outlining how this offer can be used to gain specialist advice, strengthen decision-making, and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Delegates will have dedicated time to reflect on complex and often challenging areas of practice, including out-of-area placements and the application of Sections 2, 3 and 117 of the Mental Health Act. The training will also explore key operational pathways, including the Gateway, Dynamic Support Database (DSD), and Escalation processes, ensuring professionals feel confident navigating systems and advocating effectively for the children in their care.

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A key focus of the training is the Children in Care Toolkit, which has been developed with colleagues in health and social care in line with the Levels of Need framework to support the workforce in responding to early signs of mental health difficulties. As professionals, the first indicator that a child or young person may be struggling is often a change in behaviour. This training reinforces that behaviour is a form of communication—and that how we respond can make a critical difference.

Learning outcomes include:

• Understanding of the Mental Health Levels of Need – what happens at each level, signs & symptoms, risk factors, and what can help.
• Overview of local pathways of support for children in care and out-of-area placements.
• Understanding of the Dynamic Support Database (DSD) & Complex Issue Resolution Process.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act in relation to children and young people.

The toolkit itself covers:

• An overview of services and support providing information, advice and support.
• What’s happening at each level of need.
• What to look out for in the child/young person.
• Are there any risk factors.
• What could help.

Processes:

1. Local mental health pathway for children in care.
2. Child/young person in out-of-area placement (OAP) requiring additional mental health support.
3. When a mental health referral is not accepted.

• Escalation Process Overview.
• Escalation Process Model.
• Mental Health Act Summary.
• Role Descriptions.

This new training represents an important step in building a confident, informed, and ACE-responsive workforce—one that recognises behaviour as communication, uses the right tools and pathways, and ensures every child in care receives the support they deserve.