To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there is an established national referral pathway to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for children with (a) mental health problems and (b) autistic spectrum disorders and co-occurring mental health problems.

'The Mental Health and Psychological Well-being of Children and Young People', Standard 9 of the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services emphasised the need for clear pathways to be set out to show how the range of mental health needs of children and young people will be met. It is for commissioners and providers to develop local services to meet the needs of their populations informed by the National Service Framework and more recently, 'Keeping Children and Young People in Mind: The Government's Full Response to the Independent Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)', published in 2010. Copies of both documents have already been placed in the Library.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has published clinical guidelines and technology appraisals which cover the care, treatment and support that children and young people with mental health disorders and their families or carers should be offered. These guidelines will inform the development of local clinical guidelines, care pathways and protocols.