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DCP Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families

The CYPF is primarily made up of Clinical Psychologists who specialise in working with children, young people and their families, although other professions may join as Associate members.

About

Our aims:

  • to influence and shape key policy around health, education and social care to improve the psychological well-being of children and families
  • to promote the value of applied psychological principles and research to the world outside the profession
  • to support its members to deliver high quality psychologically informed services for children, young people and families that have a positive impact on them throughout their lifespan

Contact us

The first point of contact for any queries regarding the work of the DCP Faculty of Children, Young People and their Families (CYPF) should be the Member Network Services Team.

The Member Network Services team provides support to all our Member Networks.

Contact the Member Networks Team

Networks and devolved nations

Clinical Psychologists in Education

Clinical Psychologists are starting to develop work with schools, and much of this work is outside of the traditional models of how Clinical Psychologists usually work.

This work can develop as part of CAMHS services,and there are an increasing number of Clinical Psychologists working in independent practice who are working with individual schools. Much of this work (both in the independent sector and from CAMHS) is developing in innovative and exciting ways.

The broad aim of the network is to support Clinical Psychologists working with schools, through the following:

  • developing a knowledge base of the innovative ways in which Clinical Psychologists work with schools
  • developing a network of like minded colleagues
  • linking colleagues who want to evaluate their work with schools
  • providing a central point of contact for other Clinical Psychologists already working in this area, or who are looking to develop their work with schools
  • providing a symposium at the annual faculty conference.

Clinical Psychologists Working With Adolescents and Families In Forensic Settings (CPAFFS)

CPAFFS aims to provide a support and CPD events to clinical psychologists working in these settings or colleagues who are interested in this area of work. We also aim to use the network to respond to national or local consultations and influence wider policy.

  • Are you looking to network with other psychologists within the field, influence the development of Clinical Psychology within these services and willing to share your experiences, knowledge and expertise?
  • Do you provide Clinical Psychology input to (amongst others) Youth Offending Teams/Young Offender Institutes/Secure Children’s Homes/Secure Training Centres/Forensic CAMHS/Adolescent Forensic Inpatient Services/The Court?
  • Do you work with Young People who are in contact with the Criminal Justice System and/or present with high risk behaviours that could bring them into contact with it?

Clinical Psychologists working with Looked After or Adopted Children (CPLAAC) Network

CPLAAC is a group of interested professionals working together to share ideas, knowledge, resources and connections with the aim of improving the service we’re able to offer to children, young people and families.

We endeavour to maintain a presence and voice in multiple places and make connections and offer empathy and curiosity where we can.

A guidance booklet for Looked After Children Services has been developed with the CYP IAPT implementation group. The guidance includes 3 documents (and quick reference guides) for three areas of work:

  • Outcome Measurement with Children who are Looked After in Public Care
  • The Use of ROMS in Consultation for Children and Young People who are Looked After
  • Statement about providing psychotherapeutic assessment and intervention within the Looked After Children (LAC) population

Within CPLAAC, the London and South East branch continues to meet quarterly for networking, peer supervision and CPD opportunities. The Branch has contributed to a recent TACT publication 'Language that Cares' and have been represented in the early discussions on the Mental Health assessment of Looked After Children that is being piloted in some Local Authorities alongside the statutory physical health assessment upon entry to care. 

CPLAAC continues to actively encourage groups from other areas of the country and there are potential branches developing in the North West and South West of England. 

Independent Practice Network

The Independent Practice Network is part of the Faculty for Children, Young People & their Families and is for all Child Clinical Psychologists working in independent practice either full or part time.

The aims of the Network for Independent Practitioners (IP) within the CYPF faculty are to:

  • Enable this increasing group of practitioners to share ideas for good practice, discuss professional issues, and facilitate local networking.
  • Encourage reflective practice and enable peer supervision
  • Liaise with other key support networks such as BPS IP Special interest Group, CYP Faculty, CYP School Network and AChiPPP to ensure that support offered is relevant and complimentary to existing structures.

The network hopes to contribute to continued professional development by identifying training needs and offering free/ low cost training events twice a year, in addition to supporting independent practitioners who wish to present their innovative work or research at conference level.  Members who are signed up on their BPS contact preferences for CYPF emails will receive emails about the IPN network events.  To date we have hosted some excellent speakers and further information on upcoming events and details on how to book can be found on the main BPS events page.  

Some of the recent training we have hosted include:
  1.  Splendid Isolation or Virtual Team? The impact of financial contracting on relationships with families and systems and the 'invisible team' – Working as a sole practitioner with children and families
  2. Good Foundations: Clinically Responsible and Safe Independent Practice - Common pitfalls for psychologists as presented by a professional indemnity representative, discussion regarding terms and agreements, contracting, information sharing and note taking.
  3. Communication as an IP - issues and ideas for communicating with children, young people, parents and insurance companies; via websites, social media, and Skype; within supervision; record keeping and confidentiality.
  4. The use of the WISC V in Independent Clinical Psychology Practice
  5. Being an Expert Witness
  6. Using ACT to help us to "make friends with fear" in Independent Practice

We are keen to hear from anyone that has an area of specialty or special interest that they would like to present at upcoming events.  

Infant Mental Health Network

The Infant Mental Health Network is for all psychologists who are working with children and young people and their families.

The aim of the network is to provide up to date knowledge from neuroscience regarding early development and the implications for the 0-2 period across child and adolescent mental health work. The focus will be on representing a relational perspective from the infants’ early development and experience; drawing connections to future child and young people’s mental health including the early years and associated behavioural challenges. There is also a spotlight on parental mental health with a focus on the impact for the infant.

The core purpose is to promote a relational perspective on the development of child and an intergenerational understanding of the factors impacting the attachment relationship.

The aim of the network is to disseminate information from specialist organisations related to infant mental health such as the Association of Infant Mental Health (AIMH) and broader government related organisations such as the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) and All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Conception to Age 2.

The network exists to contribute to continued professional development by providing mutual support and information sharing as well as

  • Enabling peer supervision
  • Identify training needs
  • Share ideas and best practice in keeping infant mental health in perspective across childhood

Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychology Services (FICAPS)

The Forum for Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychology Services (FICAPS) was formed in recognition of the need for Clinical Psychologists working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4 services, primarily inpatient units, to have an established professional network.

It aims to clarify and enhance the profile and practice of Clinical Psychologists working in Tier 4 services by providing a forum in which to:

  • Discuss relevant ethical and professional issues
  • Enable peer supervision
  • Identify training needs
  • Share ideas and best practice

Thereby contributing to their continued professional development. 

There are currently two regional FICAPS groups; South East (SE) and the North West (NW). The NW group’s meetings take place 10.00 to 12.30 on a Monday every two months.

The South East group meet every 3 months for two hours, and use the BPS offices as a venue.

All applied Psychologists working within Tier 4 settings are welcome to attend regional and national meetings.

Learning Disability Network

The Child Learning Disability Network is network of psychologists who are all working with children and young people who have a learning disability, and their families.

This includes psychologists who are working with children and young people who have mental health concerns, and those who are working with children who have behaviour that challenges.

The network exits to provide mutual support and information sharing, and to this end it runs an email discussion list, symposium and conferences. Any psychologist who is working with children who have a learning disability is welcome to join.

Paediatric Psychology Network UK (PPN-UK)

Paediatric Psychology Network UK (PPN-UK), is a forum for Paediatric Psychologists in the United Kingdom.

Our general aim is to promote the development of Paediatric Psychology within the UK, including strategic and policy influence, professional practice, clinical governance, research and training. We have links across many aspects of the BPS and many external agencies with shared aims, such as RCPsych, RCPCH and NHS England.

Read more about

Paediatric Clinical Psychologists involved in research
How to join the PPN

If you are already a member of the Faculty of Children Young People and their Families and would like to join the PPN, or would like to check whether you are a PPN member, please email [email protected] with your BPS number.

Otherwise you must first be a member of the faculty to join the PPN.

Join the PPN Email list

The PPN uses its membership announcement email list to inform its members of activities and initiatives that are relevant to their interests and to make requests for engagement on topical issues. 

If you are a PPN-UK member, you can ensure you receive these emails by checking your communication preferences in your member portal, and ensure you have selected communication by email.

Special Interest Groups

The PPN is not officially affiliated with any Special Interest Groups (SIGs) but attempts to keen an up to date list of Paediatric Psychology SIGs that exist nationally. Further information can be found in the SIG Guidance document. 

Download the SIG Guidance document

You must be a member of the SIG to access this document

Guidance document

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Committee Members

Chair: Helen Griffiths

Chair Elect: Vacant

Treasurer: Zoe Berger

Secretary: Suzy Gray

CPD Co-ordinator: Jacqui Boyle

CPD Co-ordinator: James Lemon

Communication:

  • Jonathan Gibbins
  • Martha Deiros Collado
  • Jenny Cropper

Research: Anita D'Urso

SIG Co-ordinator: Vicky Gray

Ordinary Member: Eloise James Gibbs

Ordinary Member: Lisa Barkley

Co-Opted: PMHA: Sally Benson

Co-Opted: FCHP: Harriet Conniff

Co-Opted: International: Yvonne Vance

Co-Opted Member: Clare Coakes

Wales: Vanessa Hammond

Northern Ireland: Nicola Doherty

Scotland: Catriona Moffat

Contact

Email the PPN-UK directly on [email protected].

Follow us on Twitter to hear about all things child health: @ThePPN_UK​

DCP Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families

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Tips for working with children, young people and their families

Understanding Formulation for Young People - Service User Leaflet

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Publications

Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review - Autumn 2023

Child and Family Clinical Psychology Review

The review's mission is to promote and share good quality clinical writing and research expressing a range of views and ideas.

Child and Family Clinical Psychology Review 2024 – call for papers

We are putting a call out for papers for the next edition of our flagship journal, The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review, which will be titled: From shallow roots to developing fruits: working together to help children and families without permanent homes thrive and grow.

Following on from our 2022-23 theme ‘Hear me, don’t blame me’ which focussed on trauma informed and non-blaming approaches to working with children, young people and their families, in 2024 we are maintaining a trauma-informed, non-blaming perspective but with a focus on children and young people who do not have permanent homes and/or are living in temporary arrangements.

This could be for a variety of reasons including being:

  • Homeless and/or living in temporary accommodation and/or having frequent moves
  • An asylum seeker or refugee
  • In the care system
  • In the criminal justice system
  • In a family fleeing domestic abuse

The number of children and young people in some of these groups is rising, and whilst we recognise that not all of them will be struggling, we are concerned that they are often disproportionately affected by a range of issues and challenges compared with the wider population.

This is compounded by intersectionality, with some ethnic groups, socio-economic groups or genders over-represented and perhaps experiencing additional difficulties as a result. Despite this, we know that support and services may be harder for these children, young people and their families to access.

We are encouraged that there is an increasing recognition of these issues, and at a local level, there are examples of good practice and innovative approaches.

Within the Review we would like to explore a variety of ways of improving psychological wellbeing for children and young people who do not have permanent homes and/or are living in temporary arrangements, and their families.

This may include direct and indirect support and intervention and multi-agency work, but also consideration of what is needed at a systems level.

We are interested in hearing from a range of settings and authors and would encourage papers co-produced by young people or parents/carers as well as from professionals.

Please send us a short expression of interest before writing your article. The editorial team is also happy to discuss possible submissions. We can be contacted via Rachel Bradley [email protected]

Articles should be around 2,500-3,500 words, and no longer than 5,000 words, including references. Please include a 250-300 word summary box of up to five bullet points outlining the key points of your article.

Submissions should comply with the BPS style guide.

Please ensure that your contact details (email and/or postal address), are included at the end of the article. Also:

  • Include the first names of all authors and any relevant job titles and affiliations
  • Please include a word count at the end (including references)
  • Do not include tables and figures unless they are essential and save space or add to the article. All figures should be in black and white and easily reproducible
  • We reserve the right to shorten, amend and hold back copy if needed

Please send submissions by Friday 31 May 2024 to [email protected].

Our target publication date is November 2024.

Latest articles - Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

  • Periodicals

Introduction to the review - The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

Volume: 1 Issue: 8

Author(s): Rachel Bradley

Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families
  • Periodicals

Beyond words: A reflection from health professionals around the meaning of ‘hear me, don’t blame me’ in relation to meeting the needs of young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions - The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

Volume: 1 Issue: 8

Author(s): Jack Griffiths, Elizabeth Harrhy, Marielle Wilcox

Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families
  • Periodicals

Working in partnership to support trauma informed care for children, young people and their families in North Yorkshire - The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

Volume: 1 Issue: 8

Author(s): Shevaun Carter, Laura Hadgett, Katy Phillips, Clare Snodgrass

Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families
  • Periodicals

Working together towards overcoming transgenerational trauma – Using cognitive analytic therapy with child-caregiver dyads - The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

Volume: 1 Issue: 8

Author(s): Andrew Horan

Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families
  • Periodicals

Living with a constant feeling of dread. Dyadic Developmental practice (DDP) with families who foster or adopt children with developmental trauma experience - The Child & Family Clinical Psychology Review

Volume: 1 Issue: 8

Author(s): Kim S. Golding

Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families

Awards and funding

Award for Innovation in Practice

Applications closed

Who and what is it for?

The Award for Innovation in Practice is an award that celebrates a fresh approach to the application of psychology with children and/or young people and/or families. This award is intended to celebrate clinical practice rather than academia or research. An example might be the development of a service that delivers psychology in a radically different format, such as facilitating young people who cannot make use of a traditional clinic setting to access psychological help. The award is open to anyone who is a Full member of the Faculty.

What is the award?
  • Certificate of the award
  • Recipients will be announced as part of the 2023 CPD programme
  • £200 vouchers
 What are the criteria?
  • A genuinely innovative service or way of practising that facilitates children and/or young people, and/or families to benefit from psychological practice
  • Recipients of the award must be Full members of the Faculty.
How will it be judged?
  • Applicants will need to be nominated. Any one person can nominate a psychologist.
  • The submissions will be judged by an awards committee that will consist of at least two faculty committee members.   
How to apply

Submit a nomination form here

For any queries please email [email protected] and include the title of the award in the subject line.

Award for Outstanding Contribution to Applied Practice

Applications closed

Who and what is it for?

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Applied Practice is an outstanding career award for psychologists who have achieved an eminent contribution to the applied practice of psychology for children and/or young people and/or families. This award is intended to celebrate professional practice rather than academia or research. An example might be a significant involvement in professional / governmental bodies regarding the development of psychological practice with children and their families. The award is open to anyone who is a member of the Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families.

What is the award?
  • Certificate of the award
  • Recipients will be announced as part of the 2023 CPD programme
  • £200 in John Lewis vouchers
 What are the criteria?
  • A significant impact on the practice of psychology with children and / or young people and / or their families, of an order sufficient for the contribution to become widely recognised as an important development.
  • Recipients of the award must be Full members of the Faculty.
How will it be judged?
  • Applicants will need to be nominated. Any one person can nominate a psychologist.
  • The submissions will be judged by an awards committee that will consist of at least two faculty committee members.   
How to apply

Submit a nomination form here

For any queries please email [email protected] and include the title of the award in the subject line.

Early Career Award

Applications closed

Who and what is it for?

The Early Career Award is an award for Clinical Psychologists who have shown significant skill in their application of psychology with children and / or young people and/or families, within the first five years since qualifying. This award is intended to celebrate clinical practice rather than academia or research. An example might be someone who has made considerable service developments and demonstrated dedication and commitment to helping families. The award is open to anyone who is a Full member of the Faculty.

What is the award?
  • Certificate of the award
  • Recipients will be announced as part of the 2023 CPD programme
  • £200 in John Lewis vouchers
 What are the criteria?
  • Recipients of the award must be full members of the Faculty.
  • Someone who has demonstrated considerable skill in applying psychology in practice and who shows promise for their future career.  This might be someone who is particularly skilled in formulation, intervention and evaluation; who has demonstrated growth and development during their first few years of qualification; and who has made some form of service development with demonstrable effectiveness.
How will it be judged?
  • Applicants will need to be nominated. Any one person can nominate a psychologist.
  • The submissions will be judged by an awards committee that will consist of at least two faculty committee members.   
How to apply

Submit a nomination form here

For any queries please email [email protected] and include the title of the award in the subject line.

Previous Award Winners

Early Career

2017: Dr Romana Farooq

2016: Dr Bethany Larham

2015: Dr Ian Rushton

2014: Imogen Spurling

Innovation in Practice

2018: Dr Kirsten Verity

2017: Dr Gavin Lockhart

2016: Dr Irene Sclare

2015: Dr Janie Donnan

2014: Dr Wendy Coetzee

Outstanding Contribution to Applied Practice

2018: Susan Ranger

2017: Dr Ayla Humprey

2015: Dr Kim Golding

2014: Dr Duncan Law

Committee

Chair: Helen Griffiths

Past Chair 

Honorary Treasurer: Ben Weiner

Committee Members

  • Deborah Thorp
  • Debbra Mortlock
  • Sarah Parry
  • Rachel Bradley
  • Liam Gilligan
  • Julie Warburton

CPD Lead: Vacant 

Publication and Communication Officer: Bethanne Willingham

CPAFFS Representative: Vacant

CPLAACS Representative: Gemma Cheney

FICAPS Representative: Katherine Phillips

Independent Practitioners Representative: Katie Robinson

Inpatient Network Chair Representative: Paul Abeles

LD Representative: Rachel Ames

Northern Ireland Representative: Vacant 

PPN Representative: Nicola Doherty

Pre-Qualifications Representative: Kate Cudmore

Scotland Representative: Vacant 

SUCLC Representative: Joanne Hemmingfield

Wales Representative: Bethan Phillips

Join

Apply to join the faculty (students, affiliates, e-subscribers)

Apply to join the faculty (graduate, chartered, and in-training members)

Membership of the Faculty for Children, Young People, and their Families is only open to members of the British Psychological Society.

There are three grades of faculty membership:

  • Full membership

    For psychologists who are Full Members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) and who work in or have an interest or expertise in the field of children and young people.

  • Affiliate membership

    For psychologists who are General (Pre-Training) and In-Training members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP). Affiliate members may take part in discussions but may not vote.

  • Associate membership

    For General members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) and non-Division members. Associate members may take part in discussions but may not vote.

If you are not already a member, you can join the faculty at the same time as applying for membership of the society.

Apply to join the society

Benefits of belonging

Benefits of Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families membership

The faculty promotes the value of applied psychological principles and research to the world outside the profession. Supporting members to deliver high quality psychologically informed services for children, young people and their families that have a positive impact on them throughout their lifespan. They publish an annual review each year and hold an annual conference and a number of CPD days.

The Faculty also have a number of networks relating to specialist areas with the field of Children, Young People and thier Families and each networks have a discussion list to share information. Membership of the networks is free once becoming a member of the Faculty.

  • Clinical Psychologists in Education
  • Clinical Psychologists working with Adolescents & Families in Forensic Settings (CPAFFS)
  • CPLAAC National Network
  • Independent Practice Network
  • Infant Mental Health Network
  • Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychology Services (FICAPS)
  • Learning Disability Network
  • Paediatric Psychology Network UK (PPN-UK)

To join a faculty network please contact Member Network Services stating which network you wish to be part of. 

Member Announcement Email List

The Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families uses its membership announcement email list to inform its members of activities and initiatives that are relevant to their interests and to make requests for engagement on topical issues. 

By becoming a member of the Faculty you are automatically added to the announcement list.

To receive these emails you will need to:

  1. become a member of the Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families
  2. opt into receiving email communication and provide a working email address

These preferences can be updated by logging into your member portal.

If you have any queries, please contact Member Network Services.

To assist us in responding to your query please make sure to include your membership number and quote 'Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families announcement email' in the subject line.

Getting involved with the Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families Committee

The Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families relies on a wide range of people getting involved, and the work of the Faculty is largely achieved through the dedication of unpaid volunteers.

Our volunteers come from a wide range of different backgrounds, whether they be practitioners or academics, or full members or in-training members, and together form an open and inclusive community.