Agencies addressing children's needs are encouraged to work closely with parents and carers. For example, schools and local authorities are statutorily required to have regard to the special educational needs (SEN) code of practice; among other things, the code stresses the importance of all professionals (in schools, local authorities and other agencies) actively seeking to work with parents, valuing the contribution they make. The code also reminds local authorities that section 332A of the Education Act 1996 requires them to arrange for the parent of any child in their area with special educational needs to be provided with advice and information about matters relating to those needs.
The Children Act 2004 provides a statutory framework for cooperation between local authorities, partner agencies and other relevant organisations to improve outcomes for all children including those who have been diagnosed as experiencing an attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Given that this disorder often entails difficult or challenging behaviour, supporting the child to address his or her behaviour is in itself helpful to his or her parents.
Drug treatment for ADHD should only be initiated by an appropriately qualified health care professional with relevant expertise and should be based on comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. Continued prescribing and monitoring of drug therapy may be performed by general practitioners, under shared care arrangements.
Health care professionals are encouraged to work closely with education and social care services to ensure appropriate interventions are offered. These interventions should include focusing on the child's behaviour in the context of his or her relationships at home and in the classroom.
If there are concerns that a child may have additional needs which require a range of services, or it is unclear what his or her needs are, agencies are increasingly using the common assessment framework (CAP) to identify appropriate ways forward. Within the CAP and its associated guidance, there are prompts for practitioners to consider a wide range of factors and the potential role of other agencies.