The Changing Lives Initiative

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The service will be aimed at children with hyperkinetic disorder, which is a strong predictor of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This year initiative will focus on disadvantaged border areas in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland. There is a high level of prevalence of ADHD within the population with some estimates suggesting that it affects up to 5% of the population. Currently 30% of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) referrals in the Republic of Ireland are for suspected ADHD. These figures are mirrored in other jurisdictions. While international guidelines for treating this disorder suggest a high quality parenting programme should be the first offer for families this option is generally not available to families in the partner areas.This Initiative will offer a programme for families consisting of an information and awareness raising programme, a screening programme for hyper kinetic disorders, and a treatment service in the form of the Incredible Years Parenting programme-ADHD protocol. It is anticipated that 60% of the children accessing the treatment will benefit from it. For children who don’t benefit from the programme referrals on to CAMHS or other appropriate services will be made. In tandem with this process there will be training for those working with young children, in particular teachers and early year’s professionals to increase their awareness of ADHD and to support them in developing strategies to manage difficult behaviours. Protocols for referral into and on from the programme will be developed on a cross border basis.This approach to dealing with hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD is very much in line with governmental policies in mental health and indeed policies for children generally in all three jurisdictions. It is also an option preferred by a large number of parent support groups.

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