NHS England has introduced a set of baseline requirements for services that provide keyworkers to autistic children and young people, as well as those with learning disabilities. These standards are intended to guide integrated care boards (ICBs) when commissioning support for individuals at risk of being admitted to mental health hospitals or those already receiving inpatient care.
The keyworker role was created following Dame Christine Lenehan’s report, These Are Our Children, with the aim of strengthening community-based crisis support and reducing avoidable hospital admissions. Keyworkers support families facing complex needs, helping ensure care plans are tailored, coordinated and developed with full involvement from children, young people and their carers.
Support should be available to those listed on a dynamic support register (DSR), particularly individuals assessed as being at immediate or potential risk. Services must meet seven core standards, including clear planning, defined service structures, and a skilled workforce trained to address challenges such as housing, employment and access to specialist care.
Additional requirements focus on consistent procedures for referrals, discharge and out-of-area placements, as well as transparency about available services. Regular feedback from families will be used to assess effectiveness, while strong governance systems must be in place to address concerns quickly. The framework has been shaped through national evaluation and collaboration with young people, families and healthcare leaders.
