RecruitingInterventional

MyVoice: Mental health assessments for children in care

The MyVoice study aims to improve mental health support for young people aged 10-17 who are in care. Often, these young people face difficulties getting the mental health help they need, and their needs can be misunderstood. This study is testing a new online assessment tool designed to get a clearer picture of their mental health. Half of the young people in the study will use this new assessment, and the other half will continue with their usual care. Researchers want to see if the new assessment helps identify problems better, leads to more young people getting mental health services, and ultimately improves their wellbeing. This is important because young people in care have not always had their voices heard in mental health research, and this study seeks to change that.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

260

Start

29 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

15 Sep 2027

Mental health of children and young people in care

What is this study about?

The MyVoice study is looking into how we can get a better understanding of the mental health of children and young people who are in care. We already know that many young people in care have mental health needs, but it can be hard for them to get the right help. Sometimes, their difficulties might not be spotted, or they might not get the same access to support as other young people.

One reason for this could be that there isn't a standard way across the country to check their mental health. This study wants to see if using a detailed online assessment can help. This assessment would create a clear report about a young person's mental health, which could then be shared with professionals like social workers and doctors, and also with the young person themselves in an easy-to-understand way.

The main goal is to find out if using this new assessment helps everyone involved understand a young person's needs better, leads to them getting more referrals to mental health services, and ultimately improves their emotional wellbeing. If successful, this new way of checking mental health could help many more young people in care in the future.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on mental health help for young people in care.
It tests a new online assessment tool.
Participation involves assessments over 12 months.
The aim is to improve understanding and access to support.
It includes young people's perspectives.
All participants receive a thank you voucher.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 10 to 17 who are currently in the care of a local council taking part in the study. Your social worker would need to have some concerns about your mental health – this could be any level of worry, either picked up by them, you, or your carer.

You would need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to answer questions. You also shouldn't be receiving direct mental health treatment from CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) at the moment, or be staying in a youth offending institute or living with your birth parents.

Your carer can also take part if you are eligible. Social workers can join separate group discussions if they work for a participating local council.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 17 years old?
Are you currently looked after by a local council taking part in the study?
Does your social worker have some worries about your mental health?
Can you understand and speak English well enough to answer questions?
Are you not currently getting direct treatment from CAMHS?
Are you not in a youth offending institute or living with your birth parents?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first answer some questions to get a starting point for the study (this is called a baseline assessment). After this, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will continue with the usual care, and the other group will use the new online mental health assessment pack.

If you're in the group using the new assessment, you'll get a link to complete it online. This will involve you and your carer answering questions about your mental health. After this, you'll be asked to complete follow-up assessments at 6 months and 12 months. There will also be an extra check-in after 2 months to see if any referral decisions have been made. The study will run until June 2028, with recruitment starting in March 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer benefits, such as helping your voice be heard in research about young people in care's mental health, which has often been overlooked. If you're in the group using the new assessment, it could lead to a better understanding of your needs and potentially improved mental health support. All young people who take part will receive a thank you voucher. On the other hand, talking about mental health can sometimes be upsetting. The research team is very experienced and trained to support young people who might feel distressed. They also have clear procedures for handling any safeguarding concerns that might come up. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (2)

Bristol City Council
Approximate
Bristol, England
Cumbria County Council
Approximate
Carlisle, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

To see if a new online mental health assessment can better identify and support the mental health needs of young people in care.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 10-17 in local authority care, whose social worker has concerns about their mental health, can participate.

Will I have to take medication?

No, this study is about assessing mental health, not about testing new medications.

What if I get upset during the study?

The research team is highly experienced and trained to help if you become distressed, and they have procedures to support you.

Will I get anything for taking part?

Yes, all young people who participate will receive a thank you voucher for their time.

How to find out more

Rachel Hiller

r.hiller@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0) 20 7679 2000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.