Children and Family Health Devon launch enhanced triage process for mental health referrals

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) is introducing a new Enhanced Triage process for referrals to its Mood, Emotions and Relationships (MERs) pathway from July 2026, helping children and young people access the most appropriate support sooner.

The MERs pathway supports children and young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, including challenges with mood, emotions and relationships that are causing significant distress and impacting daily life.

As part of the new process, families referred to MERs will be invited to book a dedicated triage call shortly after their referral has been screened. The call, which typically lasts 20-30 minutes, will help clinicians gain a clearer understanding of a young person’s current needs, experiences and strengths.

The enhanced approach aims to:

• Ensure children and young people are directed to the most appropriate service as early as possible
• Reduce delays in accessing the right support
• Provide families with advice, signposting and wellbeing resources sooner
• Improve understanding of a young person’s needs before an initial assessment appointment
• Enable more personalised planning and allocation to practitioners where appropriate

Angharad Howell, Clinical Lead for the Mood, Emotions and Relationships (MERs) pathway at Children and Family Health Devon, said:

‘We know that when children, young people and families reach out for mental health support, they want reassurance that they are accessing the right help as quickly as possible. Our new Enhanced Triage process will allow us to have meaningful conversations earlier in the referral journey, giving us a better understanding of a young person’s needs, strengths and circumstances.

By gathering this information sooner, we can make more informed decisions about the most appropriate pathway for support, provide helpful advice and wellbeing resources at an earlier stage, and ensure that those who need specialist MERs support receive as early as possible”

Where a referral meets the criteria for the MERs pathway, information gathered during the call will support the planning of the young person’s initial assessment. Families will also receive a wellbeing plan containing practical advice, self-help resources and information about additional support available while waiting for an appointment.

Where another service may be better placed to meet a young person’s needs, families will receive guidance and signposting to alternative sources of support, ensuring they can access help as quickly as possible.

For more information about Children and Family Health Devon services and waiting times, visit: www.childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk