“Extremely vulnerable children and young people with serious mental illnesses, such as eating disorders, self-harm and psychosis, are being treated miles away from their loved ones and support networks, as a result of inappropriate OAPs. With family and friends having to travel so far, visiting often becomes impossible, which only leaves unwell children feeling more isolated, lonely and can be harmful to their recovery.”
Royal College of Psychiatrists, February 2025
Out of Area Placements (OAPs) are often challenging for people with mental health issues. There is evidence that they can be detrimental to treatment especially for children and young adults. This conference will share the latest developments and challenges in reducing the use of out of area placements for people with mental health issues, through a confirmed lineup of speakers from the NHS as well as case study examples of best practice and a lived experience perspective. Topics will include the latest initiatives, the use of data-driven decision making, and the ethical and legal considerations involved.
The conference will focus on the reduction and elimination of inappropriate out of area placements outlined in the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework delivering change together 2026/27 to 2028/29 and the ambition to reduce OAPs to zero by the end of March 2027.
• Eliminating inappropriate out-of-area placements Reducing the number of inappropriate out of area placements by end of March 2027
• Reducing or maintaining at zero the number of inappropriate out of area placements”NHS Medium Term Planning Framework delivering change together 2026/27 to 2028/29
Key Learning Outcomes
This conference will enable you to:
Network with colleagues who are working to reduce the use of out of area placements in mental health services
Discuss the national data and evidence base currently on out of area placements in mental health services
Reflect on the impact of inappropriate out of area placements on children and families
Understand the impact of out of area placements on service users and their mental health treatment
Implement community based solutions and initiatives so Trusts can be less reliant on out of area placements
Understand how current obstacles and challenges in reducing out of area placements can be overcome
Learn from an overview and findings from the latest reports
Reflect on lessons from a successful case study example
Work in innovative ways with multidisciplinary teams in mental health care
Identify key strategies for reducing the need of out of area placements
Developing your skills in working with psychiatric liaison teams
Understand the legal and ethical considerations involved in out of area placements
Self assess and reflect on your own practice, gaining 5 hours CPD for professional development and revalidation evidence (subject to peer group approval)
