Firstly, is there a suicide risk?

Then, consider mental health needs. Is there an alcohol or drug issue?

Are they known to social work? Are there any child protection issues for the young person? Their siblings or other family members? If young person is over 16 then consider Adult Protection measures (Scotland Act 2007).

A proper mental health assessment requires that they are physically well enough (consider intoxication, sedation, pain etc). Consider competency (which can be impaired temporarily by physical illness).

Consider:

• Violent/aggressive behaviour – needs risk assessment and management
• Evidence of learning disability
• Any existing care plans or coping mechanisms?
• Psychosis? ie delusions, hallucinations
• Unusually withdrawn/quiet is a red flag.